The AHPA Insider
Thursday 10 September 2026

AHPA welcomes opportunity for roundtable with Minister for NDIS

Last week AHPA brought allied health leaders together with the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, for an important roundtable on the future of allied health disability supports in Australia.

It was an opportunity to discuss key issues relating to the passing of the recent NDIS Bill, including access to allied health supports, functional capacity assessments, therapy support determinations, pricing and workforce sustainability.

AHPA welcomed the opportunity for constructive dialogue with the Minister and reinforced the importance of ongoing Government engagement with the allied health sector, the NDIA and people with disability as reforms progress.

AHPA convenes roundtable on NDIS reform

AHPA has also brought together member organisations for an important roundtable with the NDIA CEO, focused on the next phase of NDIS reform.

This remains a challenging period for the disability and allied health communities. While the recent NDIS Bill has passed, significant work remains to ensure access to the supports people with disability need are protected.

Sustainable pricing, workforce stability, market stewardship, new framework planning and access to evidence-based supports were the focus of discussion.

A sustainable NDIS depends on a sustainable allied health workforce, and people with disability must be able to access the allied health supports they need, when they need them. AHPA remains committed to working collaboratively with the NDIA and the sector to help shape the implementation of these reforms.

Small allied health businesses must not be left behind in Thriving Kids transition

AHPA has been calling on the Government to provide targeted supports for allied health businesses as NDIS and broader disability reforms progress, and is pleased to be working alongside the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) to strengthen this advocacy.

In a joint media release, AHPA and COSBOA urged the Government to provide transition support for small allied health businesses affected by NDIS reforms and the rollout of Thriving Kids. Many businesses have invested significantly in establishing and growing services for the NDIS and now face significant disruption as funding arrangements and service models change.

AHPA and COSBOA are calling for clear guidance, business resilience tools and practical assistance to help providers navigate the transition, while ensuring communities continue to have access to essential allied health services.

AHPA welcomes appointment of new CAHO

AHPA warmly congratulates Tracey Thomson on her appointment as the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Chief Allied Health Officer.

A qualified dietitian and experienced health system leader, Tracey brings a strong understanding of policy, reform and service delivery at a time of significant change across the health, aged care and disability sectors.

The Chief Allied Health Officer plays a vital role in ensuring allied health perspectives help shape national health and workforce policy. AHPA looks forward to working closely with Ms Thomson to advance the allied health sector, support implementation of the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy, and strengthen the contribution of allied health professionals across Australia's health system.

AHPA contributes to health pricing and funding discussions

Allied Health Professions Day 2026

Allied Health Professions Day, celebrated each year on 14 October, is an international event that recognises and brings together the allied health professional community.

This year's theme is Allied health: For everyone, everywhere, highlighting the vital contribution allied health professionals make to improving health and wellbeing across all communities and settings.

AHPA is developing a suite of digital resources to help members and stakeholders celebrate the day, with materials to be made available in the coming weeks. We encourage you to get involved and help raise awareness of the important role allied health professionals play in Australia's health system.

Consultation on changes to allied health arrangements for Veteran Card holders

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is seeking feedback on changes to allied health arrangements for Veteran Card holders, which will take effect from 1 July 2027. Veterans, families, providers and other stakeholders are encouraged to have their say and help shape future arrangements.

The consultation is open until 5pm AEDT on Friday 30 October 2026.

Help shape research priorities for in-home aged care in Australia

There’s still time to have your say in Monash University and Silverchain’s survey on Australia’s in-home aged care research priorities. If you receive in-home care, work in the sector, or have an interest in its future, complete the short survey by 30 September. Participants will go into the draw to win one of 10 $50 eGift Cards. For questions or support, contact ncha.nacren@monash.edu or 03 9904 4822.

[This study has been approved by Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC). Project title: Research priorities for Australian Home Care. Project ID: 50152].