How we can be better together in advocacy

Let’s first compare the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) with other allied health organisations – in terms of scale and impact.

1. The APodA has nearly 3,000 members – around half of all podiatrists in Australia.
2. The Australian Physiotherapy Association has 32,000 members – around 90% of all physiotherapists in Australia.
3. Occupational Therapy Australia has 10,000 members – around 35% of all Occupational Therapists in Australia.

Yet despite this difference in scale, APodA’s impact is significant – beyond its resourcing and scope. Just how sustainable is it to keep punching above our weight like this?

What we need

The answers lie partly in member support – either via increased resourcing from more members joining APodA or through existing members collaborating with the advocacy team – to dream bigger, together.

Dreaming big and being bold aren’t platitudes, it is what we do every day. There’s potential to do even more through additional member involvement.

Where you might be at

This brings us to where you might be right now.  Perhaps:

1. You are a member who values knowing that a portion of your membership goes towards resourcing a small but active advocacy team.
2. You aren’t a member and perhaps feel cynical about APodA’s ability to make a difference on your behalf – this may contribute to you not becoming a member.
3. You are a member who wants advocacy to look and feel different for the profession – likely for one of two reasons.

• • Your belief may reflect a perceived communication shortfall – if so, please check you haven’t missed key updates such as the 2024 Annual Report, news articles, email updates and STRIDE articles and additional updates.
  • You may know about this work, yet still feel frustrated. If so, please contact advocacy@podiatry.org.au to get involved in a way that suits your capacity.

What we have been doing

Here’s a sample of who our small advocacy team has met with in the past nine months, to ensure podiatry has an active place at the table.

• Funders – NDIA, private health insurers, Private Healthcare Australia and DVA
• Regulators – Podiatry Board of Australia, NSW Podiatry Board and Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Authority
• Allies – Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons, Allied Health Professions Australia, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Optometry Australia, Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association, Australian Physiotherapy Association, NACCHO.
• Consumer organisations – Arthritis Australia and Wounds Australia.
• Government Officials – MBS, PBS, Primary Health Networks and Chief Allied Health Officers from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and the Commonwealth.
• Digital Health – HICAPS, Provider Connect Australia.
• Political engagement – Meeting with Members of Parliament, Senators and their advisors from the government health and disability portfolios.

What our members have been doing

Our team regularly engages members to get involved in advocacy opportunities, such as representing the profession on state and national consultations.  Thank you to the many APodA members who have stepped forward in recent months to represent the profession.  This includes but is not limited to:

What now?

We could do more with your support: via your membership and ideally, your involvement. As the peak professional body, APodA receives daily invitations to represent the views of the podiatry profession – are you able to get involved?

Why now?

There are another 3,000 podiatrists registered in Australia who are not members of APodA. This untapped resource has the potential to double APodA’s efforts to boost the voice of entire profession.

Reforms are coming thick and fast in 2025 / 26 – with changes to MBS, NDIS and aged care. APodA needs your help to keep abreast of the changes, to respond to policy and to support the profession. Our small team works hard – yet to truly be better together, more member collaboration is required.

Join APodA or get involved

Joining your professional association is a great way to start, and the discounts and subsidies make it a win-win. Once you’re a member, getting involved is always valued.

Contact advocacy@podiatry.org.au to get involved in a way that works for you and your availability (and then forward this article to a non-member!)