#1 National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment is passed
Of important mention is the passing of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024. The impact of this Bill and its proposed changes will be a continued focus for the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA), and we will work with the NDIS, Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), and our members to communicate and advocate for its operational implementation.
#2 New Aged Care Bill introduced and open consultation underway
September saw the introduction of another important Bill, the Aged Care Bill 2024. This new Act seeks to create a simple, single-entry point to make access to the aged care system for older people easier, including a fair, culturally safe single assessment process.
There remain several grey areas, and the implications for podiatrists who provide residential aged care services or in-home services won’t be known until the Bill is passed and the nitty-gritty is put into words.
There is now an open consultation in response to this Bill’s submission to Parliament. This consultation has been raised with the PAC SIG committee for active discussion at the upcoming PAC meeting. The value and significance of the APodA’s Special Interest Groups are vital when approaching policy and advocacy topics. We expect their continued involvement will enhance the profession’s voice.
#3 Workshop attendances underway
The APodA has been invited to participate in a number of workshops to complement this busy time. One of vital importance is pain and establishing a set of Australian Standards. The APodA represented the profession and, through vigorous discussions, we feel we put our best foot forward (pun always intentional…).
#4 Scope of Practice report nearly finalised
September also saw the next, and possibly final, stage of the Scope of Practice report consultation.
Following the intensive consultations process, of which a number of podiatrists represented the APodA, focus was highlighted in several areas. Some of these include:
- Exploring the existing legislation and regulation of the Drugs and Poisons act and how the current separate state and territory regulations are a barrier to podiatrists.
- Reviewing recommended new models of care that work towards an efficient and effective way to support how Australian’s access care.
- Leveraging off current practices of professions, such as allied health, to more efficiently refer to other healthcare professions.
This draft report still needs to finalise its recommendations and go to Parliament for discussion. It’s a long road yet, but it is pleasing to see some progress being made.
Additional focus areas
- AHPA Project – Draft Models of Care summary paper
- Home Care Package and pressure from service co-ordinators – continued discussions exploring the current impacts and pressures within the aged care environment
- APodA’s Allied Health Assistants Working Group – continuing discussions
- APodA’s Digital Health Working Group – continuing discussions.
Meetings, workshops and targeted webinars that the APodA has been involved in
- August – Australian Digital Health Agency – Allied Health Connections (Industry offer)
- August – Australian Digital Health Agency Update Webinar
- September – Cemplicity – 2023/2024 Pilot discussion
- September – Dementia Australia – workshop (postponed)
- September – AHPA’s Election planning meeting
- September – Medical Devices – Essential Principles for Safety and Performance – Part 2: Proposed alignment with the European Regulations
- September – Scope of Practice Review Webinar – Draft Final Report
- September – AHPA Disability Working Group
- September – AHPA Digital Health Working Group
- September – AHPA Primary Care Working Group
- September – AHPA Aged Care Working Group
- September – CAHA Members Webinar: National Health and Climate Strategy update and scorecard
- September – NDIS Compliance meeting
What’s next?
- Advocacy for Musculoskeletal Health
Laura Khuu, an APodA member, recently attended a forum in Canberra on behalf of the APodA, organised by Arthritis Australia. This forum advocated for better, earlier, and more affordable care for Australians who live with musculoskeletal conditions. Arthritis Australia will deliver a position statement shortly, stay tuned.
- Research and Vascular Assessments
The APodA continues to push for improvements in patient care, recently emphasising the need for funding for vascular assessments in the Scope of Practice Review consultation. This funding is critical to ensure podiatrists can provide comprehensive care. We remain committed to exploring further research and funding opportunities to strengthen services for both patients and podiatrists.
- 2025 pre-Budget Strategy
As part of our pre-Budget strategy for 2025, the APodA will collaborate with internal (SIG committees) and external stakeholders to develop a robust set of recommendations in response to the Federal Budget. This is a pivotal opportunity to ensure our voice is heard.
- Upcoming Events
- End of Year National Advocacy Advisory Committee (NAAC) Meeting – A key meeting to review the past 12 months and look towards 2025.
- AHPA Symposium – A policy forum in which the APodA will connect with other peak bodies to explore collective strategies for the future health landscape.
- Health Partners Provider Forum (DVA) – This forum, held in Canberra in November, will focus on working with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
