APodA advocacy update: April 2026
10 Apr 2026
PBS parity update: Advocating to close the patient equity gap
Patients prescribed medicines by endorsed podiatrists (and podiatric surgeons) can’t currently access PBS subsidies, which can add cost and delay care. The APodA is urging the Senate to support an amendment to the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 so PBS subsidy access applies when medicines are prescribed by endorsed podiatrists.
The Australian Greens have backed our position in the report from the Community Affairs Committee, recognising the inequity patients face when their prescriber is an endorsed podiatrist.
Help drive this push for this reform
We are closer than we have ever been. But the bill is yet to pass the Senate, and your voice matters now.
A direct, personal letter from a podiatrist, someone on the frontline of patient care to your local senator carries real weight.
Members can access the links below to assist with their letter (you must be logged in to access):
• Letter to template here >>
• List of senators and their contact information here >>
Stay up to date with the APodA’s PBS advocacy here >>
1. Provider consultations
As a range of NDIS reforms approach, the NDIA is seeking providers who are interested in:
- Testing new systems or tools
- Testing changes to NDIA systems, such as the my NDIS provider portal. Note: This may be requested outside of normal business hours.
- Group based consultations
- One to one interviews
- Surveys
Further information can be found here >>
2. Submission - NDIS rules: New planning framework
The APodA has made a submission into the proposed assessment and planning process in the new NDIS framework.
The APodA have recommended that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing:
- Engage with the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) as the peak association of allied health professionals and consider AHPA’s recommendations
- Delay NDIS framework planning model until a pilot, with meaningful allied health involvement, including podiatry, is completed and independently evaluated, with the final report publicly released for transparency.
- Involve the APodA in codesigning podiatry specific targeted modules, particularly for Disability related podiatry and foot care supports.
- Incorporate allied health evidence, including podiatry reports as standard practice within the Support Needs Assessment process.
- Through the assessment process, define clear trigger criteria for when an assessment tool such as the I-CAN can escalate to a podiatry assessment
- Ensure therapy supports are not tied strictly to rigid categories or professions and maintain flexibility for participants to choose podiatry supports within their plans.
The APodA’s submission can be found here >>
Updated guidance: Aged Care Worker Screening Requirements – Protect sensitive information
The Australian Government has released updated Aged Care Worker Screening Guidance Material, outlining requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025, commencing from 1 November 2025.
While this guidance is directed at registered providers, many podiatrists delivering services under aged care programs (including Support at Home and CHSP) will be engaged as associate providers or contracted health professionals.
These requirements will apply in practice when delivering funded aged care services.
APodA members can access everything they need to know on our website including:
- What this means for podiatrists
- How to handle sensitive documents securely
- Practical steps, and more
You must be logged in to access here >>
Cyber security: Practical resources to support your practice
As part of the APodA’s involvement in the Digital Health Change Lead Project with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), we are continuing to support members in building digital capability across their practices—including strengthening cyber security awareness and behaviours.
The ADHA has developed a range of practical resources to support healthcare providers in protecting patient information and reducing cyber risks in day-to-day practice.
Key resources include:
- Digital Health Security Awareness eLearning course – a short online course covering essential security practices to protect patient data and your practice
- Encouraging security behaviours – strategies to build a culture of cyber awareness within your team
- Information security guide for small healthcare businesses – practical, easy-to-apply guidance tailored to smaller practices
- Set strong passwords – tips to improve password security and reduce risk
- Manage your digital footprint – guidance on reducing your online exposure
- Think before you click – how to recognise and avoid common cyber threats
These resources are designed to be practical, accessible and relevant to everyday clinical settings.
You can access the full suite of resources via the ADHA website here >>
The APodA continues to advocate on behalf of the profession across key national consultations, with recent submissions focused on improving access, recognition and sustainability of podiatry services.
1. Rural, regional and remote Medicare access and funding
The APodA has provided a submission to the Senate inquiry into rural, regional and remote Medicare access and funding.
This submission draws directly on insights shared by members through our recent survey, helping ensure the realities of delivering podiatry care, particularly in rural and remote communities, are clearly represented.
You can view a copy of APodA’s submission here >>
2. Fair Work Commission – Health professionals award review
The APodA has also responded to the Fair Work Commission’s review of the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which is examining classification structures and qualification requirements across the allied health workforce.
As part of our submission, we have strongly recommended that:
- AQF Level 7 is recognised as the minimum entry requirement for podiatry
- Classification pathways are available at AQF Levels 8, 9 and 10 for practitioners with advanced qualifications
This is an important step in ensuring podiatry is appropriately recognised within the award framework and aligned with the breadth of qualifications held across the profession.
Ahpra releases new five year strategy
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has released its National Scheme Strategy 2031, outlining a five-year reform agenda for health practitioner regulation.
The Strategy focuses on three key priorities:
- Effective harm prevention
- Culturally safe healthcare
- A sustainable health workforce
It also commits to improving the experience of practitioners and the community through more timely, transparent and empathetic regulation.
What this means for podiatrists
While high-level, the Strategy reinforces a continued focus on patient safety, workforce sustainability, and evolving models of care, all highly relevant to the podiatry profession.
Access more information on the National Scheme Strategy 2031 here >>
Provider Management Plan (PMP/Form 32)
WorkCover Queensland has released an updated version of the Provider Management Plan (PMP/Form 32), used by allied health providers to outline treatment plans and support for injured workers.
The updated PMP is available now and can be used immediately. Providers can continue using the previous version until 30 June 2026.
QLD APodA members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated form and transition to the new version ahead of the deadline.
If you have any questions, or would like to connect please don’t hesitate to contact ProviderEngagement@workcoverqld.com.au
1. New graduates – have your say
The APodA is sharing a Charles Sturt University research project exploring how prepared new graduate allied health professionals feel for collaborative practice in healthcare settings.
Your insights will help assess whether current allied health education is effectively preparing graduates for real-world, team-based car
What’s involved?
- A short online survey (15–20 minutes)
- Optional semi-structured interview (40–45 minutes)
Take part here >>
Should you have any questions please contact Dr Isabel Paton, Charles Sturt University – ipaton@csu.edu.au
2. Share your insights on diabetes foot care
The APodA is sharing research from the University of Newcastle and University of New England exploring knowledge, attitudes and barriers to exercise in managing diabetes-related foot complications.
What’s involved?
- Short anonymous online survey (15–20 minutes)
Who can take part?
- Healthcare professionals in Australia
- 1+ years clinical experience
- Involved in managing diabetes-related foot complications
Participants can go into the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards.
For more information or to take part, contact the Chief Investigator: karen.mickle@newcastle.edu.au
<< Back to latest news