Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme updates
What is the policy issue?
The APodA is working to remove a long-standing barrier to access to medicines that affects patient care and podiatry practice.
Many podiatrists are already endorsed to prescribe medicines as part of their regulated scope of practice, and every year, more students are graduating with this endorsement.
Despite this, podiatry remains the only prescribing profession in Australia whose patients cannot access the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidies for medicines prescribed by their podiatrist.
This means that patients often have to:
- Pay the full private cost of medicine, or
- Book an extra appointment with another prescriber, usually their GP, just to access PBS pricing
This leads to delays in treatment, extra out-of-pocket costs for patients, and unnecessary duplication of care. None of this supports best practice or patient-centred care.
What is APodA advocating for?
We are advocating for podiatrists who are endorsed to prescribe medicines to be recognised as authorised prescribers under the PBS.
This change would:
- Support podiatrists to practice to their full scope
- Reduce delays and duplication in patient care
- Provide accessible care
- Strengthen continuity of care
- Improve outcomes, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities
This is about fairness, recognition and making the system work better for patients and podiatrists.
What has APodA been doing?
We have been working behind the scenes to push for this reform so that podiatrists do not have to carry this issue alone.
- APodA pre-budget submission 2025 - 2026
- Pre-election federal election campaign
- Met with Government officials
- Met with Senators and MPs in Canberra
- Lodged a submission to the Deputy Secretary of Health Resourcing. APodA member can read the submission here >>
- Published a media release and got media coverage
- Written to Senators and MPs about the legislative amendment for nurses and PBS
- Made formal submissions (if you are not a member and would like a copy of a submission, please email advocacy@podiatry.org.au):
- Lodged a submission. APodA member can read the submission here >>
- APodA pre-budget submission 2026 - 2027
How you can get involved
The PBS Amendment has passed the Senate
Now we need your help to get it over the line
Access to affordable medicines for podiatry patients is one step closer. The PBS amendment has successfully passed the Senate, a major milestone for our profession and the patients we care for every day.
Help us get the House of Representatives' approval
To secure this reform, we need the Federal Government to back it in the House of Representatives.
Sending a letter to your local MP is one of the most effective ways to influence this outcome.
By sending this letter you are helping to:
- Improve patient access to essential medicines
- Reduce cost barriers to treatment
- Strengthen the role of podiatrists in delivering care
APodA members can access the letter template here >>
Read the media release here >>
Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletters to stay updated on the progress and how you can get involved.
Share your experience by emailing advocacy@podiatry.org.au.
Please like, comment and share our social posts to help spread awareness of the PBS imparity.
Join the APodA Medicines in Podiatry (MIP) Special Interest Group
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Join the MIP group, a community of member podiatrists with an interest in medicines. This includes podiatrists with an endorsement to prescribe medicines and those undertaking the endorsement pathway.
Learn more about the MIP Special Interest Group here >> |