APodA advocacy update: March 2026

12 Mar 2026

PBS parity fight intensifies as Senate amendment secured

The APodA’s PBS parity campaign has entered a pivotal phase. A senator has secured a private amendment to include endorsed podiatrists in the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 when it returns to the Senate, a direct outcome of sustained APodA advocacy and more than 20 member submissions.

The Australian Greens also acknowledged the inequity facing podiatry patients in their committee report. Our immediate focus is securing Senate support for the amendment. If successful, the Bill will return to the House of Representatives, where Government backing will be essential.

Clarifying the Senate Estimates record

Comments made during Senate Estimates risked implying that endorsed prescribing podiatrists were under scrutiny for education standards. APodA acted quickly to correct the record, obtaining formal written advice from the Podiatry Board of Australia confirming the issue relates instead to the separate 2025 review of podiatric surgeons.

We have provided this clarification, along with the Board’s letter, to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee to ensure the two matters are not conflated. The Committee has accepted the advice and will advise if further action is required.

Learn more about our work to improve outcomes for podiatrists and patients here >>

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Primary care - Medicare

1. Review of MBS Referred Chronic Condition Management Services 

The APodA has received an invitation to participate in further consultations as part of the Review of MBS Referred Chronic Condition Management Services, led by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Advisory Committee (MRAC). 

This review is examining how Medicare-referred chronic condition management services are structured and delivered under the MBS. 

As part of the current phase, consultation is considering whether the list of eligible allied health professions should be expanded. 

The APodA will continue to advocate to ensure patient access is protected and that podiatry remains appropriately recognised within Medicare settings. 

If you have insights on how current arrangements are working in practice, or where improvements are needed, please email advocacy@podiatry.org.au to help inform our response. 

APodA members can access Medicare resources and stay up to date here >>

2. Senate inquiry - Rural, regional & remote Medicare access 

The Senate is currently undertaking an Inquiry into access to Medicare services in rural, regional and remote Australia.

This Inquiry provides an important opportunity to highlight the practical realities podiatrists are facing working in rural, regional and remote communities, particularly those delivering care in thin markets, travelling long distances, or servicing geographically dispersed populations.

How you can support this work 

If you practice in a rural, regional or remote area of Australia, your insights are especially important. 

Real life examples are critical in strengthening our advocacy. Your lived experience helps us clearly articulate the realities of delivering podiatry services outside metropolitan settings. 

Complete our short survey here >> 

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NDIS

1. Thriving Kids

There have been developments with the Thriving Kids initiative with the release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s final report here >>

What we know so far: 

• Thriving Kids is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026, with full implementation planned for 1 January 2028.
• Thriving Kids will operate as a standalone program, distinct from the NDIS. 
• State governments will be responsible for implementing the initiative, rather than the federal government.  
• The program will focus on children aged 9 and under with mild to moderate developmental delay and/or autism.  
• Children with permanent and significant disabilities will continue to receive support through the NDIS.  
• Key processes including entry, assessment, treatment pathways, and exit have not yet been defined.  
• It is also unclear whether these processes will be applied consistently across states.  

The APodA will continue to work with AHPA to represent podiatry in this area. 

Learn more about our work >>

2. Parliamentary event

A big thank you to Bianca Knight and Matthew Hotchkis for representing the APodA at Parliament House in February for the Thriving Kids event hosted by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Early podiatry intervention plays an important role in supporting children’s development and mobility, ensuring they can thrive without limitations.

It is important that podiatry continues to be promoted as playing a vital role, alongside other allied health professionals, in delivering services to this client group. 

3. Consultations

There are several NDIS consultations currently underway. Here’s an overview of what’s happening, how you can contribute, and the advocacy work the APodA has been undertaking:  

• NDIS provider service agreements

The consultation to review NDIS Service Agreements have been extended. Here’s your opportunity to explain what makes service agreements easy or hard to use, how they affect your business, and how NDIS can improve the guidance and resources available.  

You can contribute in two ways: 

a).  Complete the survey here >> 

b).  Add to the Ideas Wall or like a comment on the Wall 

Consultations close on 31 March 2026. 

• NDIS rules: New planning framework

The APodA is preparing a submission highlighting our concerns regarding the proposed assessment and planning process as well as the role of allied health professionals.

We will continue to provide updates as the consultation progresses.  

• A new definition for NDIS providers

A review of the definition of a NDIS provider consultation has been completed. The recommendations emphasise acknowledging podiatrists as an AHPRA registered profession, recognising their existing regulatory obligations, and ensuring that any additional requirements are proportionate to risk and do not create unnecessary administrative burden. The APodA has made a submission, which can be found here >>

Stay up to date with the APodA’s NDIS advocacy work here >> 

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Department of Veteran Affairs

1. DVA update: Changes to assessing veteran eligibility (from 17 February 2026) 

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has updated its Notes for Allied Health Providers, changing how eligibility for DVA-funded health care is confirmed. 

What’s changed? 
Allied health providers, including podiatrists, are now required to assess a Veteran Card holder’s eligibility themselves, rather than routinely contacting DVA to confirm eligibility. 

You only need to contact DVA if you are uncertain about a White Card holder’s accepted condition. 

2. DVA update: New Webclaim training resources now available

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), in partnership with Services Australia, has released new online training resources to help providers submit DVA claims more accurately and efficiently. 

What’s new? 

• DVA Webclaim Interactive Simulation 

A step-by-step practice environment allowing you to simulate submitting a claim safely (no real claims are lodged). Ideal for new users or staff training. 

• DVA Webclaim Training Module 

Guidance on using HPOS, managing authorisations, maintaining accurate provider details, and reducing rejected claims. 

• Online Claiming Modules 

Support for providers using practice management software, including configuration tips and troubleshooting common issues. 

These resources are available now via the Health Professional Education Resources webpage. 

For DVA claiming queries please email: Provider.Support@dva.gov.au 

APodA members can access DVA resources here >>

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Digital health

1. My Health Record in podiatry practice 

My Health Record (MHR) is Australia’s national digital health record, designed to support safer, more connected care.

For podiatrists, My Health Record can assist you to: 

• View Shared Health Summaries and discharge summaries 
• Access pathology and imaging reports 
• Upload Event Summaries to support continuity of care 
• View available medication history

Free allied health training modules are available to help you better understand how My Health Record works in practice and how it can be incorporated into clinical workflows here >>

Are you using My Health Record in practice? 

The APodA is keen to work with podiatrists who are actively using My Health Record in clinic to develop practical case examples demonstrating how it supports patient care. 

If you are using My Health Record and would be open to sharing your experience, please email advocacy@podiatry.org.au. 

Real-world examples help strengthen our digital health advocacy and showcase the role of podiatry within connected care environments. 

 2. Digital health update - AHPA Digital Digest now available  

 As part of the APodA’s ongoing commitment to digital health and our involvement in the national Digital Health Uplift Project led by Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) in partnership with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), we are pleased to share a new resource with members. 

AHPA has launched its Digital Digest, a national update highlighting key developments across the digital health landscape. 

The Digital Digest provides: 

• Updates on national digital health initiatives 
• Insights relevant to allied health professions 
• A central place to track progress across projects and reforms 
• Access to past editions via the new Digital Digest webpage 

The first edition has been well received, and future editions will continue to provide structured updates on areas such as My Health Record, Provider Connect Australia, cybersecurity, ePrescribing and broader digital reforms impacting allied health. 

If you would like to subscribed, you can do so here >>

As the APodA continues its work on profession-specific digital health guidance and case studies, we encourage members with an interest in digital health to stay engaged. 

If you would like to contribute to APodA’s digital health work, please email advocacy@podiatry.org.au. 

Access the Digital Toolbox and learn more about My Health Record here >>

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Research

1. Invitation to participate in research exploring clinicians’ use of biomechanics and training needs in clinical settings 

The APodA is sharing a University of Sydney research project exploring how clinicians apply biomechanics in assessment and treatment, particularly for lower-limb movement (e.g. walking and running). 

Participation involves completing an anonymous online questionnaire, which takes approximately 10 minutes, with the option to take part in a 30-minute follow-up interview. Eligible participants are registered podiatrists currently practising in Australia, with at least one year of clinical experience and currently working in a clinical setting. 

Findings from this study will help identify clinicians’ needs related to the application of biomechanics in clinical practice and inform future education and resource development.  

Take part in this study here >>

2. Share your insights on non-inclusional nail surgery

The APodA is sharing a research project from Charles Sturt University – TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University). CRICOS Provider: 00005F inviting podiatrists to complete an anonymous questionnaire. 

Your perspective will help clarify the procedural steps involved in non-incisional nail surgery, including clinical decision-making, client selection and choice of surgical procedure.

Findings will contribute to the development of a clinical practice protocol. 

What’s involved? 

Up to 20 minute anonymous online questionnaire 

Take part here >>

If you’re involved in nail surgery, this is an opportunity to help inform best practice guidance for the profession. 

What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before deciding? 
 
If you would like further information, please contact Principal Investigator Anna Horn: ahorn@csu.edu.au 

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