Important Award changes: New classification structure for health professionals from 1 October 2026

14 Sep 2026

A significant change is coming to how podiatrists and other Health Professional employees are classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Here's everything podiatrists need to know to be ready for it.

What's changing

From the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026, the current system of Levels and Pay Points will be replaced by classifications based on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Podiatrists and other health professional staff will instead be classified according to their AQF qualification level and years of experience. For example, "Level 1: AQF Level 6, 2nd to 3rd year" with each classification carrying its own minimum rate.

Support Services classifications are not affected by this change. Practice staff employed under those classifications continue on their existing rates and structure.

What this means for your practice

Every podiatrist and health professional employee in your practice will need to be reclassified under the new structure. The Award sets out indicative tasks for each classification, so practice owners should assess each employee's role against these tasks to determine the correct classification and minimum rate. Once determined, employees must be advised of their new classification in writing.

To help with this transition, for anyone employed at a given level as at 30 September 2026, updated pay scales include transitional tables showing how their current classification maps to their new classification and rate from 1 October.

As some rates will be held rather than increased, employers are encouraged to check the tables carefully rather than assume an automatic pay rise. New starters or staff not employed at that level on 30 September should be classified using the standard AQF tables based on qualification level and experience.

Act now to be ready

The APodA recommends practices complete reclassifications and issue written notifications to staff before the first October 2026 pay period, to ensure payroll is accurate from day one.

Resources available

Updated pay scales and a detailed factsheet are available now for APodA members in the APodA HR Portal.

Need further help classifying your team, confirming a wage rate, or navigating other Award conditions? Our HR Telephone Advisory Service is here to help APodA members, call 1300 620 641.

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If you'd like to access the members-only pay scale factsheet plus a suite of resources to help you understand how workplaces must comply with rules about minimum wages, pay slips, records and more, please click here to join us today.

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