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

Presented by renowned podiatric dermatologist Dr Ivan Bristow and held over four dates in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney throughout August 2026, each interactive, full-day workshop brought podiatrists together to sharpen their diagnostic and treatment skills across a wide range of dermatological presentations of the lower limb.

Bringing together a fantastic group of business-minded podiatry professionals ready to learn, connect and take practical strategies back to their clinics, thank you to everyone who joined us in the beautiful coastal town of Kingscliff, NSW, for this year's 'Business in focus' instalment of our Professional Development Series (PDS).

Representation at NDIS roundtables with the NDIA and Minister, meetings with MPs on PBS access, DVA thresholds and Support at Home, plus a TAC inquiry report reflecting APodA's submission. It also flags open consultations including NDIS access changes, DVA allied health arrangements, and TGA medical device reporting where members can contribute their voices to shape policy.

This month’s advocacy update spotlights two major milestones: strong Senate support for PBS inclusion for prescribing podiatrists, and APodA’s first appearance at Victorian Parliament’s TAC claims inquiry. Alongside this, we cover key developments across DVA, Medicare, NDIS and national regulatory reforms, outlining how APodA is ensuring members’ voices shape policy.

The NDIA has released the Annual Pricing Review (APR) Report providing guidance on what the Agency considers appropriate NDIS prices for 2026-2027. There is no change to the podiatry hourly rate; it is to remain at $188.99. We are calling on our podiatrists to actively participate through surveys, helping spread the message and engaging with local Members of Parliament.

The Australian Government and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have confirmed they have listened to concerns raised by stakeholders, including the APodA, about the new Assignment of Benefit (AoB) requirements due to commence on 1 July 2026. Read a summary of what podiatrists need to know with links to further information.

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year's podiatry students at La Trobe University, following the annual School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport Awards Ceremony held in May. Read more and join us in congratulating the three academic prize winners across Years One, Two, and Three of the Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) program.

New National Law reforms affecting how professional misconduct is displayed on the public register are now in effect. Read on for a brief overview of what's changed and what it means for podiatrists.

The Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) is pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2026 Board Election, with two new directors joining the Board and the re-appointment of an existing director, effective from the AGM on 20 May 2026.

The Federal Budget strengthens support for veterans by expanding access to allied health services, including podiatry. This investment recognises podiatrists’ essential role in supporting veterans living with chronic and complex health needs, and highlights the need for continued reform to improve equity of access.

The APodA’s May advocacy update covers major national reforms, including progress on PBS amendments for endorsed prescribers, upcoming Support at Home submissions and significant NDIS changes affecting podiatry access and pricing. We’re also contributing to digital health, primary care data and workers’ compensation reviews to strengthen podiatry’s voice across the sector.

Stay across the APodA’s latest advocacy work, from PBS parity and NDIS reforms to aged care, digital health, national submissions, regulatory updates, WorkCover changes and new research opportunities. This month’s update brings together the major policy shifts, consultations and reforms shaping podiatry, along with clear actions and resources for members.

Allied Health Professions Australia's (AHPA) campaign to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment to all allied health students is currently underway and gaining momentum. Sign the petition and help strengthen the call to end placement poverty for allied health students across Australia.

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. We've created a new dedicated page for members on our website which includes everything you need to know.

Calling for better inclusion of podiatry in future supports and funding models, the APodA lodged a comprehensive submission to the Thriving Kids (TK) Inquiry in October last year. The Thriving Kids Advisory Group was also established at that time, and on 5 February this year the advisory group released its final report in response to the Inquiry, with a proposed national model. Read on for our submission and the final TK report.

The Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) is calling on the Australian Senate to support a simple yet important amendment to the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, so that patients treated by podiatrists with prescribing endorsements can access Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidies. Read on to learn more about our work to improve outcomes for podiatrists and patients.

Read the joint statement from Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and allied health peak associations including the APodA, in response to the Australian Government’s new framework planning for the NDIS, scheduled to commence in July 2026.

APodA’s February advocacy update highlights key progress across PBS parity, primary care reform, NDIS consultations and aged care changes. Explore current submissions, member driven insights and practical resources supporting your practice. Stay informed and connected to the national advocacy shaping the future of podiatry.

A powerful start to 2026 sees APodA driving national visibility and meaningful reform. From hitting prime time TV to pushing for PBS parity, shaping NDIS and aged‑care changes, strengthening infection‑control standards, and influencing device and diabetes‑care policy, this month’s advocacy update highlights the momentum, impact and collective voice advancing podiatry across Australia.

In 2025, APodA delivered Infection Control Workshops across five cities to help podiatrists and practice staff meet updated NSQHS guidelines and comply with Australian Standard AS5369. Led by Emma Coombes, Rob Mullins, and Steve Lines, sessions covered compliance, hygiene, PPE, clinic design, cleaning, waste management, and risk audits, supported by sponsors.

We were thrilled to partner with the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons (ACPS) to bring two valuable learning experiences to podiatrists across Australia in 2025. Learn more about this important collaboration to support podiatrists with high-quality education and training that ultimately benefits patient care across Australia.

The NDIS has launched its Annual Price Review for 2025–2026, which includes therapy supports such as podiatry. This is a chance for the podiatry community to raise their voice on this important area of pricing of podiatry services. Learn more about NDIS Annual Pricing Review consultations.

Throughout November, APodA proudly partnered with Munro Footwear Group for their Match Fit Roadshows, bringing podiatry expertise to retail teams in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Our incredible team of volunteer podiatrists delivered engaging sessions on the importance of correctly fitting the right shoe to each foot.

Bringing together podiatrists from across Australia, our first Live & Local: Foot and Ankle Tendons – MSK one-day clinical intensive hands-on workshop was a huge success, marking an exciting milestone for the MSK Special Interest Group (SIG). Read the full wrap.

APodA's CEO Hilary Shelton and Membership and Education Manager Natalie Policki were thrilled to attend Podiatry WA Day in Perth recently. Hosted by Podiatry WA, the event brought together practitioners, leaders and emerging voices from across WA for a day of learning, conversation and connection.

Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm, support and passion for the podiatry profession, the awareness week was considered a huge success. Every story, every conversation, and every small action helped raise awareness of podiatry and its impact on health and wellbeing.

Our recent 'Footwear Through the Ages' event was a huge success, attracting 94 registrations and bringing podiatrists and footwear enthusiasts together for a night of learning, connection, and fun. Read the full wrap up.

The latest updates on APodA's advocacy work including policy and advocacy highlights from the NDIS Rountable meeting with Minister McAllister, Medicare CDM updates, continuing work to represent our profession in the disability and NDIS, and lots more.

The latest updates on APodA's advocacy work including policy and advocacy highlights from our visit to Canberra, APodA at the National Allied Health Conference, continuing work to represent our profession in the disability and NDIS, aged care and digital health spaces and lots more.

Hundreds of podiatrists across the profession at the APodA 2025 National Conference opened up about the highs and lows of their work, revealing a deep passion for helping patients, balanced by the realities of workload, systemic pressures, and the constant evolution of healthcare demands.

The latest updates on APodA's advocacy work including policy and advocacy highlights from #PodConf25, work underway to represent our profession in the disability and NDIS, primary care, CDM and workforce spaces, collaboration with Arthritis Australia and lots more.

Under the theme “Unleashing Potential,” our world-class 2025 Australian Podiatry Conference delivered a dynamic blend of cutting‑edge podiatric research, interactive clinical workshops, and meaningful networking. Read the official wrap up.

Designed to foster a shared understanding between podiatrists and Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), learn more about a new customisable Podiatry Guidelines in Residential Aged Care Facilities setting out the minimum standards recommended by the APodA for planning and delivering podiatric services.

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (JFAR) has an opening for two new Associate Editor positions to help support the operation and future development of the journal.

The Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) is proud to announce our Chief Executive Officer, Hilary Shelton, has been appointed to the Board of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA).

If you’re faced with an HR crisis, or you simply want day-to-day workplace advice, our HR Hotline has APodA members covered. From between 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, the HR Hotline provides unlimited and untimed support from a team of employment law experts.

In a groundbreaking move to advance the podiatry profession and patient outcomes, the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) has partnered with Plena Healthcare, which includes APodA membership for all of Plena's podiatry team.

Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) is looking for podiatrists and service providers to deliver outreach podiatry services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living in rural and remote areas of the Northern Territory.

An updated Podiatry Billing Schedule is set for release from 1 September 2024, replacing the current schedule which was last updated and released in 2017. Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) has accepted the responsibility of managing the final public release and ongoing support of the schedule.

Early bird registration is now open for the next instalment of our 2024 Professional Development Series, ‘Paediatric Podiatry in Focus’. Coming up from Friday 11 – Saturday 12 October, experience this immersive and exciting two-day symposium at the refurbished Rydges Melbourne.

Are you curious about how allied health assistants (AHA) can be or are being used in podiatric care, interested in exploring new models of care and service, or keen to help review scope of practice? If so, we invite you to express your interest in joining APodA's AHA Reference Group.

Are you a health worker who's trained and/or worked outside Australia? University of Sydney researchers would like to speak to you for their study exploring how healthcare workers’ family relationships and informal care responsibilities shape their migration decisions.

Researchers at The University of Queensland are currently in phase one of their PRIDE co-design project. Take part in a study to better understand the normative landscape of the multi-sectoral primary and allied health workforce in relation to LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare provision.

Following the 2021 release of the updated Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulation, the APodA has been actively collaborating with the TGA on behalf of our profession. Recognising the significant impact of this legislation, we have developed an up-to-date Therapeutic Goods Member resource page with a new interactive section to assist podiatrists.

Amendments to the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021 (MPMR) will come into effect in Queensland starting 1 July 2024. Make sure you're up-to-date with these latest changes to ensure compliance. Read on for all the details and to access resources via Queensland Health.

Read on for the latest updates from the APodA's advocacy team including outcomes from a recent 'Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review – Phase 3 workshop', an update from Ahpra regarding greater protection for the public under National Law changes, updates to Medicare and DVA fee schedules and more.

National Diabetes Week is coming up from 14-21 July 2024. Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century and currently considered the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system. Read on for a link to Diabetes Australia's latest research report plus materials and resources for APodA members relating to diabetes and the high-risk foot.

7-14 July is National NAIDOC Week 2024. It's an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Read on for three important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ foot and lower limb health research pieces from JFAR.

APodA currently has two reference groups inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from professionals to help advise and shape our position on Advocacy Digital Health and Advocacy Disability. Only two places available on each panel, read on for all the details including how to apply.

Are you a new graduate allied health professional (AHP), who graduated between November 2021 and December 2023? James Cook University (JCU) researchers are currently seeking volunteers to participate in an online study looking at the presence of imposter syndrome among new graduate allied health professionals, to understand if there is a relationship between demographic information.

The Podiatry Board of Australia’s (Ahpra) independently chaired Accreditation Committee (the committee) has opened public consultation on its draft guidance on embedding good practice in clinical placements, simulation-based learning and virtual care in initial student health practitioner education.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has announced applications are now open for its 2024 Value-based Healthcare Innovation Grants. The program assists TAC health service providers to put value-based healthcare into practice. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for value-based healthcare projects.

The 'Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review – Issues Paper 2' has recently been released, proposing further options for reform to enable health professionals to work to their full scope of practice and improve primary care.