How to support NAIDOC Week (and beyond)
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Interested in being credentialled?
Do you want to build your career in paediatrics or sports and biomechanics? Not just for your own growth but to also let your community know that you have these additional qualifications?
The APodA Career Framework is a practical way to grow your expertise, get recognised for the work you’re already doing, and show your commitment to evidence-based care.
The framework supports podiatrists who want to go even deeper into their chosen area of interest. Based on a competency structure, assessments are carried out against the internationally-recognised CanMEDS framework to support a clear pathway for career progression beyond initial training.
What it covers
The CanMEDS framework is an adopted physician competency framework, which ensures a credentialled podiatrist will “personify and seamlessly integrate the competencies of all seven CanMEDS roles”.
There is plenty of information online on this – but in short, this qualification covers these roles: medical expert, communicator, collaborator, leader, health advocate, scholar and professional.
Going into more detail, there are four assessment stages in these career pathways.
- Personal portfolio
You’ll submit five examples of leadership and five examples of evidence-based contribution in your stream. You have 24 months to complete this, and it will be reviewed by an assessor. - Case study portfolio
This is a large body of work where you are required to submit at least 15 clinical case studies. You’ll start with two case studies to get feedback, and the first one must be marked competent before moving on. If three attempts at your first case study do not pass, you’ll be asked to pause and reflect before continuing. - MCQ exam
The next step is the exam. It’s a multiple-choice exam (with 70 questions in 90 minutes) which can only take place after your case studies are complete. It covers a range of areas including scholar, clinical expert, and health advocate roles. The pass mark is 50%. Exams are held online with supervision. - Viva exam
The last step in the process is an oral exam which tests your clinical reasoning and communication. You’ll record a real initial consult (with patient consent) and submit it with your notes. Two assessors will review it and then interview you via Zoom.
All done!
Then you are credentialled – and only then are you legally allowed to use the title ‘credentialled podiatrist’. This is the ONLY way you can use this title as it reflects the additional professional development you have undergone to receive this formal career recognition. Not only will you gain recognition for this extra leadership and clinical work – but you will also join the Assessor Group to support the next group coming through.
Who can apply?
To apply, you need to:
- Be a current APodA member
- Have finished your degree more than two years ago
- Be currently working in your area of interest
- Be a SEPA member (for sports/biomechanics stream)
- Have reviewed the curriculum and guidelines
How to apply
With applications open year-round via the APodA website, you can apply at any time that suits you. There are costs involved in applying and also to complete the cost, which are broken down in detail on the APodA website.
What others say
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate why podiatrists excel in managing foot and ankle pathology.”
John Osborne, Credentialled Sports / Biomechanics Podiatrist
“The process encourages self-reflection and engagement with evidence, both of which improve practice.”
Dr Helen Banwell, Credentialled Paediatric Podiatrist
“It has strengthened my confidence in my scope of practice and provided personal fulfilment through meaningful self-reflection.”
Liz O’Malley, Credentialled Paediatric Podiatrist
Questions?
Email education@podiatry.org.au
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Support at Home – how to navigate it
With Support at Home rolling out further changes in November 2025, here’s what you need to know to be prepared and ensure you are adequately charging for your time and overheads. Thanks to the Podiatrists in Aged Care Special Interest Group for supporting this planning process.
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For a quick recap, let’s revisit the role of the Support at Home program, given it is undergoing further changes in late 2025.
How did it come about?
It was in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Specifically, in response to the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority’s (IHACPA) collection of data and the development of future pricing caps.
What is its purpose?
Support at Home brings together current in-home aged care programs in pursuit of a more equitable system for older people that helps them to stay at home for longer. It aims to ensure improved access to services, equipment and home modifications to help older people remain healthy, active and socially connected to their community. Read more about the features of the Support at Home program.
What’s changing?
Due to start in July 2025, now rescheduled to start from 1 November 2025, Support at Home will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027.
According to official statements, “The staged approach will give all CHSP providers time to change their business systems and adjust to new payment arrangements. This will ensure they can operate successfully under Support at Home and avoid disruptions for their clients….Current in-home aged care programs will continue to operate as normal until they transition into the new program.”
How can podiatrists get ahead of this?
You may know that the Australian Podiatry Association has released a Support at Home Pricing Calculator. With so many variables in the mix, this tool allows you to enter your hours against each line item – from travel and consult time, through to equipment and admin, and plenty more. The aim is to support podiatrists to better understand the true costs of delivering their services, per patient, and help guide informed and sustainable pricing decisions.
In addition to using the pricing calculator, the following tips may help.
As you determine your pricing, try and keep the following key points in mind:
- Remember that indicative pricing is not a cap: While the Support at Home Service List provides indicative pricing, there is no price cap in place for 2025. However, providers may be asked to justify prices that fall significantly outside the suggested range.
- But price caps will apply from 1 July 2026: These will be based on data collected and analysed by IHACPA. IHACPA has indicated they will monitor pricing during 2025, particularly in regional and remote areas, to inform the development of future price caps.
- Clinical care is fully government-funded: Services classified as clinical care (including most podiatry interventions) are fully funded by the federal government. Consumers cannot be charged gap fees or top-up payments.
Where can I read more?
Outside of APodA’s resources, including the newly launched pricing calculator and news updates, you can now read the Support at Home handbook.
According to the government, “[This handbook] has been developed to support in-home aged care providers to understand the core components of the Support at Home program design and arrangements from 1 November 2025.”
Likewise, podiatrists are encouraged to read the Support at Home program manual. This, “…provides detailed information for providers to assist them to understand and comply with the Support at Home program rules, procedures and obligations.”
Better together: A fun take on APodA’s 2025 membership campaign
Tax time tips for podiatrists
As tax time approaches, it’s essential for podiatrists to understand what they can claim, how to keep accurate records, and how to protect themselves from scams. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) shares the below advice and resources to help you navigate your tax return.
If tax time is stressing you out, here are some tips to simplify the process.
Tailored guides for you
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has a suite of tailored guides for (*almost) every occupation – including healthcare professionals such as podiatrists.
Use them to learn which:
- Deductions you can claim
- Income you must declare
- Records you need to keep
Advice on claiming and record-keeping
Planning to claim work-related expenses this year? Remember, to claim a deduction for any work expense:
- You must have spent the money yourself and you weren’t reimbursed
- The expense must directly relate to earning your income, and
- You must have records.
In most cases, your records need to include written evidence from a supplier – like a receipt – that shows the cost, name of the supplier, date it was purchased, nature of the expense, and date the document was produced. You may also need other specific records, for example, a logbook for car expenses. More information on keeping records is available online.
Remember: A bank or credit card statement (on its own) usually isn’t enough evidence to support your claim. The myDeductions tool in the ATO app is the perfect way to keep track of all your receipts and records in one place. It’s easy to use – check out the video on the ATO’s Instagram account.
Deductible donations
Did you support your favourite charity this year? Consider the following points to see if you may be able to claim it in your tax return:
- Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status: You can only claim a tax deduction for a gift or donation to an organisation that has the status of a DGR. You can check here.
- Type of gift or donation: It must be money, property, or financial assets such as shares.
- A true gift or donation: You can only claim a gift or donation if you voluntarily transferred money or property without receiving, or expecting to receive, any material benefit or advantage in return.
- Check the conditions: Your donation must comply with any relevant gift conditions. For some DGRs, the income tax law adds conditions affecting the types of deductible gifts they can receive.
- Records: To claim a deduction, you must have a record of your donation, such as a receipt.
Head online to find out more information on donations.
Strengthen your cybersecurity habits
The ATO has reported more than a 300% increase in email impersonation scams in the last year.
ATO impersonation scams are generally at their peak at tax time. Scammers know Australians are focused on lodging their tax return, updating their personal information and may be anticipating refunds.
There are things you can do to protect yourself in addition to heading online for more information on how to be scam safe:
- Download the ATO app to securely, quickly, and easily manage your tax and super on the go.
- Always access ATO online services directly via ato.gov.au, my.gov.au or the ATO app. Do not click on links or attachments.
- Use myID and set it to the highest identity strength you can achieve. It’s the most secure and flexible way to access ATO online services.
Follow these three steps to protect yourself from scams this tax time:
- Stop: Never share your myGov sign in details. Only share personal information if you trust the person and they genuinely require it. If in doubt, don’t disclose anything.
- Check: Take a second to check. Ask yourself if it could be fake. Is it really the ATO? If a link or QR code is directing you to provide information or to log into an online portal, don’t click on it.
- Protect: Act quickly. If an interaction doesn’t feel right, don’t engage with it. Visit the ATO website or phone the ATO on 1800 008 540 to check.
Navigating risk: Are cyber threats your blind spot?
Clinical collaboration | Solomon Islands & Australia
How to manage chronic pain and illness at work
Five ways to mitigate patient loneliness
As podiatrists, you know that loneliness is a growing public health concern in Australia, with significant implications for physical and mental wellbeing. With Loneliness Awareness Week happening between 4 and 10 August, you have a unique opportunity to help, particularly considering the growing body of evidence around social prescribing.
Given time is probably not on your side with workforce shortages, here are some quick but powerful ways to support patients who may experience loneliness.
These tips are designed to help you to support your patients who may be experiencing loneliness, but in a way that is practical and targeted.
#1 Be (very) specific
While it’s tempting to suggest a patient goes for a walk to support their mobility and mental health, sometimes, this is too broad to prompt any meaningful action. The key can lie in being specific, with the context around an intervention such as walking.
For example, instead of saying “Try to get out and walk for 20 minutes a day.” You could say, “This local walking group meets on Wednesdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 10am – would you like me to refer you?” Only you can accurately gauge how far to take this, but it can make a difference.
Examples may include a forest therapy group (group walks) or a local ramblers club (Google a club in your area). Or organised groups such as a tennis club, bowling club, mentor walks, a ‘parkrun’ group, or a local Heart Foundation Walking group.
These kinds of interactions also support a much larger preventative health care picture, which aligns with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
#2 Promote peer support
If you sense a patient may be experiencing loneliness, and you are keen to find a way that supports their mobility as well as their mental health, consider peer-led activities.
This approach can be particularly helpful for patients who may not want to socialise without some kind of supportive structure or facilitated agenda. Examples include peer support programs, where individuals with shared experiences provide mutual support.
These facilitated community programs are gaining traction in allied health. They are particularly effective for people managing chronic conditions, mobility issues, or adjusting to life changes such as retirement or bereavement.
You can refer patients to local peer-led initiatives such as the local PCYC, PROBUS clubs, a Toastmasters club, a bridge club or structured volunteering opportunities through entities such as St Vincent de Paul Society or Barnardos.
Evidence from Mind Australia shows that peer support is a powerful tool in early intervention for psychosocial disability, improving both social inclusion and health outcomes.
#3 Include incidental exercise
Given some patients may be averse to exercise, remind them of the power of incidental exercise through co-designed programs—where community members help shape the services they use. These are vast in nature but can include working in a local community garden, joining an intergenerational playgroup, volunteering in aged care, or as a scout or girl guides leader.
If you are able to encourage such community groups to share their brochures with you, or to be open for inclusion in your next community newsletter, this may be a simple way to expose your patients to opportunities for incidental movement and community connection.
Podiatrists can support this by connecting patients with local councils or neighbourhood houses that run co-designed programs, such as walking groups, art collectives, or intergenerational projects. Even displaying flyers or newsletters in the clinic can spark interest.
The University of Sydney’s research shows that when people feel they have agency in shaping their social environments, they are more likely to engage and less likely to feel lonely.
#4 Think outside the box (AKA digital intervention)
If your patient may not be comfortable calling up a local community group or sending an enquiry email to get involved, encourage them to go online as the first step for connection. You could recommend user-friendly platforms like Meetup or GoVolunteer to help patients find local events, clubs, or volunteering opportunities that match their interests. No phone calls or emails required, they can simply turn up on the day and get moving in a way that works for them.
If your patient is not mobile but has shown interest in social prescribing opportunities, don’t underestimate the power of digital peer support groups and YouTube videos with low impact, non-weight bearing exercises. Of course, verify that the exercises are safe for your patient, and check in on their progress as they continue. These tools can be particularly helpful for rural or remote patients who may lack access to in-person services.
Evidence from the Centre for Mental Health at the University of Melbourne supports the use of digital interventions as part of a broader psychosocial support strategy, especially when tailored to individual needs.
#5 Ask just one more question
Given the workforce shortages and the pressure this puts on podiatrists, you may not have as much time as you would like for an in-depth exploration into your patient’s mental wellbeing. This is where the power of a single question can help. Consider asking one extra question during your consultations (if you don’t do this already). Perhaps try asking, “Have you had a chance to get out and about lately?”
Looking ahead
As Loneliness Awareness Week approaches, you can make a difference in a way that supports your limited time and resources. By integrating these quick-win, lesser-known, evidence-based strategies into your practice, you’re supporting whole-person health.
