APodA advocacy update: July 2025
23 Jul 2025
Independent Member of Parliament, Monique Ryan speaks to the media about the need to extend the Commonwealth Prac Placement Scheme to include allied health including podiatrists. Read our media release.
Policy and advocacy at Australian Podiatry Conference 2025
At the start of conference day two, the opening plenary session focused on the policy environment that impacts all podiatrists. CEO, Hilary Shelton, began with a presentation outlining the APodA's purpose, vision and values and how together, the podiatry community can join forces to raise the voice of the profession to fulfil the vision of 'Amazing Podiatry Always'.
Policy, Advocacy and Research Manager, Judy Powell, then covered hot topics in the podiatry policy space, outlining what the APodA team has been doing to advocate including a lot of work in the lead up to the new financial year. Advocating on changes in the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) rules in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Annual Pricing from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are two key areas where significant work is underway. Podiatrists were invited to get involved and support advocacy activities. Read more about advocacy in our latest news section.
Finally, the session was capped off by a presentation from the Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, who highlighted the high volume of reforms underway for allied health. Never has there been so much reform happening on multiple fronts, from the development of the first National Allied Health Workforce Strategy to transformational work in digital health, enhancement work in the National Regulatory Accreditation Scheme, aged care and disability reforms, and the MBS Chronic Disease Review.
Helping patients walk pain free tops conference survey insights.
Thank you to the hundreds of you took the time to share honest, anonymous reflections on what is ‘great and what is challenging’ about being a podiatrist at the conference. The results speak volumes.
The top two rewards of podiatry?
1) 'Helping people', and 2) 'relieving pain'.
More than 60 per cent of respondents highlighted the deep satisfaction that comes from making a real difference in patients’ lives. Nearly half of you said the most rewarding part of your day is watching someone walk out pain-free.
But it’s not all smooth walking.
The most commonly reported challenge was persistent public and professional misunderstanding of the podiatry scope. Many podiatrists said they’re still too often seen as “just nail cutters”, which is a frustrating disconnect from the reality of your role as an expert in delivering lower limb and footcare with a span from prevention to surgery.
These findings are just the beginning and we’ll be sharing more insights over the coming months.
Until then, we will continue to listen, act and care.
Disability and NDIS
Following the release of the NDIS Annual Pricing Review and unexpected price cuts, the allied health sector mobilised quickly, and APodA was right there in the mix.
We joined forces with other allied health peak bodies to halt the introduction of the cuts and provide a fair, evidence-based review. Since then, we’ve been in direct discussions with the NDIA, the Coalition, the Greens, and advisers in the Minister’s office.
To support collective action, we’ve created a dedicated NDIS advocacy page. Here, you can:
- Sign the petition.
- Complete a short survey.
- Share a real-world story of a participant impacted by the changes.
- Download the letter template to write to your local MP.
An early look at the results of the survey have revealed that podiatrists working with NDIS participants describe the work as deeply rewarding, citing the complexity and diversity of cases as a source of professional fulfillment. The heavy administrative burden, prices cuts and continued need to advocate with planners cutting from plans has diminished the provider experience and financial viability to continue in the scheme.
A recent survey of podiatrist providing therapy supports in the NDIS showed that:
- 62% would start declining referrals for people with complex disabilities.
- 57% would cease travelling to visit participants in their homes.
- 47% were considering leave the scheme.
The APodA team is off to Canberra next week to share these insights with our political leaders and to ask for change. We are still seeking participant stories as every voice adds weight and yours matters!
Primary Care & Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans
Recent changes to CDM referrals under the MBS have caused uncertainty across the podiatry community. We’ve been actively questioning the Commonwealth on key issues, including how the new rules apply in practice and how payments are being handled. To assist you, APodA have developed a letter template for use with your referring GPs.
To provide feedback to Government on the impact of the CDM changes, we’re collecting real-life case scenarios from members to highlight the challenges and push for practical solutions. Please reach out to APodA's Advocacy Team via advocacy@podiatry.org.au. You can find the letter template and more detail in our updated CDM webpage.
This month, we also met with Adelaide PHN to strengthen referral pathways. As a result, both APodA and the Find a Podiatrist directory are now included in Adelaide’s HealthPathways system, making it easier for GPs to refer to podiatrists. Find a Podiatrist directory includes a listing of members.
We continue to represent podiatry through Allied Health Professions Australia’s (AHPA) Primary Care Working Group, advocating for better access to CDM items and support for programs like the Commonwealth Prac Payment. Read APodA’s media release on this issue.
In parallel, APodA participated in a consultation on Medicare’s CDM items, through an interview led by Quantum Market Research. We’ve also shared the opportunity for members to apply to the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) – a vital step in giving podiatry a seat at the table.
Digital health
We’re continuing to represent podiatry in AHPA’s Digital Health Working Group to make sure upcoming changes work for you in practice.
Right now, a key focus is Provider Connect Australia (PCA), a national resource designed to simplify how your business and practitioner details are shared with services like Medicare and hospitals. As an early adopter, APodA is helping lead the way and will keep supporting the rollout alongside AHPA and the Australian Digital Health Agency.
We also lodged a submission to the Department of Health on the National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan. This is about building real digital capability across allied health, and we’ll share ways for you to get involved soon.
And in Tasmania, we’ve flagged the Bluegum Health Transformation consultation with local members to ensure podiatry is part of shaping their digital health future.
Aged care
On 18 July, APodA lodged a submission to IHACPA’s 2026–27 Pricing Framework for Support at Home Aged Care Services consulation.
Our goal is clear: to make sure the real costs of delivering podiatry in home care are properly recognised and funded. That includes infection control, surgical procedures, and advanced wound care, all critical to preventing falls, maintaining mobility, and reducing hospital admissions.
This work helps ensure podiatry remains a strong part of delivering services for older Australians.
The Australian Government has calculated an indicative price that has been set for podiatry and many APodA members have advised that this is below market rate. Currently, this is not a price cap, however over the next 12 months the Government will be looking at prices in order to set a cap.
To ensure that you are calculating all costs that make up a service, APodA has developed a Support at Home Pricing Calculator (accessible for members only) to assist in determining a client attributable price relevant to the service that you deliver.
Department of Veterans Affairs
APodA recently took part in a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) forum to represent the interests of podiatrists working with the veteran community.
Following the forum, we consulted with the Podiatrists in Aged Care Special Interest Group (SIG) and other key members to review the draft DVA Allied Health Quick Guides.
Our focus was on making sure these guides offer clear, practical advice that supports podiatrists in delivering quality care to veterans.
Workforce
We’re preparing a submission on Ahpra’s Supervised Practice Framework, due 31 July, and recently shared updated non-surgical cosmetic procedure guidelines with members.
This month, we met with Maurice Blackburn and the Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer to discuss key workforce issues, including reforms to the MBS, PBS, aged care, and the NDIS.
We also attended the June Ahpra Professions Reference Group meeting, where we received updates on the Dawson Review of the National Regulatory Accreditation Scheme and future plans to strengthen the group’s advisory role.
Finally, we promoted Ahpra’s Board membership research opportunity to our SIG committees to help support stronger governance across the profession.
Member advocacy
Over the past month, APodA members have been actively contributing to key national consultations — helping shape policies, standards and frameworks that impact the future of podiatry.
A big thank you to the following members for their time, expertise and leadership:
- Rhys Pierce – TGA Workshops on Point of Care Manufacturing.
- Kylie Gates & Kristine McKenzie – NDIS re-design Practice Standards and Quality Framework.
- Mitchell Smith – AHPA Foundational Supports Workshop.
- Laura Khuu – Allied health needs assessment in Residential Aged Care.
- APP & PAC groups – Endorsement of arthritis guidelines.
- Rob Mullins – Chairing a six-month expert group on an Aged Care Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool.
- Emma Coombes – Australian Standards Working Group for AS5369.
We’re proud to see such strong representation from members who are helping move the profession forward.
Arthritis Australia collaboration
APodA has reviewed and endorsed consumer resources developed by Arthritis Australia.
These resources are designed to support patient self-management and improve communication between allied health professionals in the management of chronic conditions.
We anticipate a public release of these resources shortly.
