In Part One of this issue’s two-part advocacy update, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is in the spotlight. For nearly a decade, the Australian Podiatry Association has advocated that patients should be able to access PBS-subsidised medicines when they receive care from an appropriately qualified podiatrist, and on July 1, 2026, that goal came closer than ever before. Find out why.
In just a matter of months, the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) achieved something few industry associations have managed in recent parliamentary history, and that is successfully working with senators from across the political spectrum to secure passage of Senator Jacqui Lambie’s amendment providing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) access for medicines prescribed by endorsed podiatrists.
The amendment passed the Senate 31 votes to 21, an achievement one senior Greens policy adviser described as something they had ‘never seen achieved in such a short period of time by such a small organisation’, highlighting both the scale of the collaboration and the momentum built with the campaign. Although the amendment was ultimately defeated in the House of Representatives by 90 votes to 43, the campaign demonstrated what coordinated, evidence-based advocacy can achieve in a remarkably short period.
Over recent months, the APodA campaign for PBS access has gained significant momentum, supported by growing engagement from parliamentarians, increasing awareness of the issue across the healthcare sector and the collective efforts of podiatrists around the country.
At its core, the campaign is about patients, rather than about parity for podiatrists, which remains the only profession where endorsed prescribers cannot prescribe PBS-subsidised medication for their patients. Endorsed podiatrists are already qualified, regulated and authorised to prescribe medicines within their scope of practice, yet patients face higher out-of-pocket costs and unnecessary barriers to treatment.
For patients living with chronic foot conditions, diabetes-related complications, disability or complex lower-limb disease, those additional costs from their pockets and on their health, can be significant.
Since our last STRIDE update in March, the APodA has significantly expanded its advocacy efforts, leading the push with hundreds of meetings, briefings, submissions, letters, stakeholder engagements and pieces of correspondence to back this reform.
The advocacy team has met with federal politicians from across the political spectrum, engaged extensively with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, consulted with regulators, industry and worked with a broad range of healthcare stakeholders to make the case for PBS access for patients. At the same time, the APodA has continued to raise awareness through media engagement, member communications and direct advocacy, ensuring decision-makers understand the practical impact of the current arrangements.
Every meeting, briefing and conversation has focused on the same question: if an endorsed podiatrist is appropriately trained, qualified and authorised to prescribe a medicine, why should a patient pay more simply because of the profession of the prescriber?
One of the most encouraging developments has been the growing support received from senators across the Coalition and crossbench. In particular, the APodA has worked closely with the office of Senator Lambie, who has become a strong advocate for improving access to affordable healthcare and addressing the long-standing PBS anomaly affecting podiatry patients.
Senator Lambie sponsored Amendment 3666 to the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, creating a parliamentary pathway to progress the reform. Throughout this process, the APodA has maintained regular engagement with Senator Lambie’s office, providing advice, evidence and technical information to support consideration of the amendment.
That engagement translated into a historic Senate result, with the amendment passing 31-21 after receiving support from across the Coalition and the crossbench, including Greens Senator Jordan Steele-John’s second reading amendment and passionate speeches. Although the Government used its numbers to defeat the amendment in the House of Representatives, bringing together such broad Senate support in just a few months is an achievement few advocacy campaigns experience.
One of the most powerful aspects of the campaign has been the support shown by the APodA’s members. Earlier this year, members were encouraged to contact their state and territory senators and ask them to support the amendment. Many podiatrists took the time to write to elected representatives, share their experiences and explain the impact the current arrangements have on patients.
Hearing directly from members, constituents and healthcare professionals helped to inform their understanding of policy issues and demonstrated the real-world impact of the proposed reforms. The APodA would like to thank every member who took the time to reach out to their state and territory senators. The profession’s collective voice has helped ensure the issue sat firmly on the political agenda, evidenced by the votes and many speeches of support.
While the amendment did not ultimately pass the Parliament, the campaign has changed the conversation around PBS access for endorsed podiatrists. APodA will continue working with parliamentarians, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and other key stakeholders to build on the unprecedented support achieved in the Senate and continue advocating for patient access for affordable medicines.
Finally, and most importantly, the campaign has achieved something significant for the profession. That is, PBS access for podiatry patients is no longer a niche policy issue and is now the subject of active discussion within Parliament and across the health sector.
That progress has been achieved through the combined efforts of the APodA, supportive parliamentarians and engaged members who have been willing to stand up for their patients.
Although this chapter has closed, the campaign is far from over. The profession has demonstrated that it can build support across the political spectrum and place PBS access firmly on the political agenda. That is a significant achievement in itself and provides a strong foundation for future advocacy.
Stay updated on advocacy developments as they emerge.
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