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Allied Health Professions Australia

2025 Year in Review

AHPA 2025 Year in Review Table of contents

Page

About AHPA

Chair Report

CEO Report

Highlights

Advocacy Aged Care

Digital Health

Disability

Mental Health & Psychosocial Disability

Primary Care

Rural & Remote

Workforce & Regulation

Sector Representation

AHPA Advisory Groups & Advocacy Activity

AHPA Member Policy Symposium

AHPA Membership

Governance

Board of Directors

Financial Overview

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

About AHPA and the allied health sector Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is the recognised national voice for Australia’s allied health professions, providing critical input and advice to government about the role of allied health professionals across health, mental health, aged care, disability, education, justice and more.

195,000+ Allied health

300,000+

professionals represented through AHPA membership

practicing allied health professionals in Australia

AHPA member organisations

Allied health is the second-largest clinical workforce in Australia, with over 300,000 professionals delivering an estimated 200 million health services annually. These professionals deliver a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, technical, and direct care services that are essential to improving health outcomes for communities nationwide.

Allied health professionals play a vital role in supporting people with chronic conditions, mental ill-health, disability and age-related needs. However, access to these services is a growing challenge, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities, due to rising costs and workforce shortages. This reduces health equity and increases pressure on the broader healthcare system. AHPA and its members are committed to increasing access to allied health services and to greater recognition of the essential role these services play in supporting health outcomes.

1 ENGAGE

Engage with government as the trusted voice in policy development and systems reform.

Advocate for system reform to enable allied health professionals to work to their full scope of practice.

ADVOCATE

Represent the sector across all levels of

and across key government 3 REPRESENT government agencies.

INFORM

Inform members by acting as the sectorwide conduit and provide opportunities for representation.

5 IDENTIFY

Identify issues and opportunities to advance and progress the allied health sector.

6 SUPPORT

Support member organisations to engage in key consultations.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Chair Report Samantha Hunter Chair, AHPA Board of Directors It is my pleasure to present my first Chair’s Report for AHPA and to reflect on our progress in 2025. This has been a year of growth and momentum. I am encouraged by AHPA’s increasing visibility and the collective impact we are having in advancing the allied health sector. Over the past year, we have strengthened our advocacy, deepened engagement with government and key stakeholders, and continued to position allied health as an essential component of Australia’s healthcare system. I am pleased to report that AHPA achieved a financial surplus this year, the first in several years. This important milestone reflects the disciplined approach taken by the Board and management to strengthen our financial position, and ensures we are well placed to invest in our strategic priorities and continue delivering value to our members and the broader allied health sector. Key initiatives delivered this year include: Governance and Policy Engagement – strengthened AHPA’s influence across government through targeted engagement, including a Ministerial roundtable that brought together key voices from across the allied health sector to progress shared priorities and opportunities for reform.

Digital Health Collaboration – worked in partnership with the Australian Digital Health Agency and CSIRO to support an interoperable digital health ecosystem enabling allied health clinical data and multidisciplinary team care. I sincerely thank our member organisations. Your engagement and contributions shape AHPA’s direction and impact, and our collective strength remains central to our success. I also acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of our staff team, led by Bronwyn Morris-Donovan. Their commitment has been instrumental in delivering on our priorities and supporting our members. I extend my thanks to Antony Nicholas, our outgoing Chair, for many years of dedicated service to AHPA. His leadership and commitment have been invaluable in shaping the organisation into the national peak body it is today. I also thank Board Directors Danielle Smith and Dr Sara Quinn for their contributions to the AHPA Board, which have helped guide the organisation over the past year. Finally, I acknowledge and thank all members of the AHPA Board for their ongoing commitment, insight and stewardship. The strength of the Board’s collective leadership continues to play a critical role in guiding the organisation and supporting its continued growth and impact.

Member Policy Symposium – hosted a highly successful symposium that provided a valuable forum for collaboration, insight and sector leadership. Aged Care Needs Assessment Project – partnered with HealthConsult to design an Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool for Australian residential aged care settings, supporting more consistent and evidencebased service planning.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Samantha Hunter Chair, AHPA Board of Directors

CEO Report Bronwyn Morris-Donovan Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary Over the past year, I have been privileged to lead and work alongside AHPA's member organisations to advance the allied health sector. This past year brought significant change. AHPA continued to evolve alongside shifting member priorities, government focus and policy, workforce shortages, and innovations in clinical practice, while also navigating a year of reform. Preparation for the commencement of the Aged Care Act 2024 brought particular challenges for allied health providers, and ongoing NDIS changes further reshaped our environment, requiring resilience and strong advocacy to protect equitable access to allied health services. AHPA engaged directly with government amid disability reform, including through a sector-wide Disability Roundtable with Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS. The Commonwealth Prac Payments program commenced for social work students on 1 July 2025, and since then AHPA has continued to advocate for its expansion to all allied health students, strengthening the pipeline of future allied health professionals. Alongside this, AHPA supported the development of the first National Allied Health Workforce Strategy, and continues to push for its endorsement as central to embedding allied health within national health system planning. AHPA's digital health advocacy continued to build momentum this year, with new healthcare identifier legislation laying the groundwork for safer, more connected care. This progress moves the sector closer to a fully interoperable environment and reinforces the case for integrating allied health clinical data as a key enabler of multidisciplinary team care.

Ahead of the Federal Election, AHPA launched an election advocacy campaign calling for an integrated and interoperable primary care environment that optimises the role of allied health professionals, to improve access and affordability to essential health services for all Australians. The AHPA Advisory Groups deserve particular acknowledgement for the insight and commitment they bring to our policy work. Their expertise keeps AHPA closely connected to the realities facing all allied health professions, and to the many complexities of the sector. And finally, after more than a decade of service, we fondly farewelled former AHPA Chair, Antony Nicholas, whose contribution to the sector and support of the AHPA team have been immensely valued. I'd also like to welcome incoming Chair, Samantha Hunter, who took on the role in May, and look forward to her strategic contribution as AHPA continues to strengthen its impact for the sector. Looking to 2026 and beyond, our commitment remains clear: to champion allied health as a cornerstone of better outcomes for individuals, communities, and the nation's health, disability and aged care systems.

Bronwyn Morris-Donovan Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review 5

Highlights Hosted a sector-wide Disability Roundtable with Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Presented evidence at the Federal Thriving Kids Inquiry and the NSW Foundational Supports Inquiry Partnered with the Department, HealthConsult and Liquid Interactive to develop and pilot the Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool (AHNAT) for residential aged care Participated in Thriving Kids Advisory Group deep dives with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Worked with the sector and parliamentarians to advocate for expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payments program to all allied health professions Published the Digital Transformation Survey report Delivered a SNOMED terminology mapping project with CSIRO and the Australian Digital Health Agency, bringing together 28 allied health professions Secured ongoing funding from CSIRO and the Agency to continue integrating allied health into the Australian digital ecosystem Contributed to the development of improved access pathways for people with psychosocial disability through AHPA's role on the NDIA Mental Health Reference Group Supported the development of a national mental health capability framework and other workforce initiatives through the National Mental Health Workforce Sector Advisory Group

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review 6

Highlights Supported the Medicare Review Advisory Committee’s (MRAC) review of MBS-referred chronic condition management services Worked with Government through the Primary Care and Workforce Taskforce to support work to implement recommendations from the Unleashing the Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review Worked with the sector to address the impact on patients and allied health practitioners of Medicare Chronic Conditions Management changes to GP referral processes Welcomed the new Deputy Rural Health Commissioner for Allied Health and supported the work of the Office of the Rural Health Commissioner Supported the development of the first National Allied Health Workforce Strategy Supported the Independent Review of Complexity in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) Represented allied health through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's Aged Care Transition Sector Working Group Engaged with the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care, and the National Aged Care Alliance Provided rural and remote-specific input into reviews and consultations, including the Medicare Chronic Conditions Framework, referral process changes for the Chronic Conditions and Better Access programs, and the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review 7

Advocacy

Aged Care Highlights The Aged Care Act 2024 commenced in November 2025, alongside new Aged Care Rules and preparation for the Support at Home rollout Advocated for a broader definition of allied health in the Rules, full funding of clinical care, and removal of the lifetime cap on home modifications Partnered with the Department, HealthConsult and Liquid Interactive to develop and pilot the Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool (AHNAT) for residential aged care Engaged with the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Office of the InspectorGeneral of Aged Care, and the National Aged Care Alliance, among others

Rollout of aged care reforms

Support at Home Pricing

Although the new Aged Care Act was passed in 2024, it did not commence until November 2025, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the extensive changes. For allied health, this was a particularly challenging transition, as many professionals operate as small or sole traders – if these practices are no longer viable, the impact on older people accessing care will be significant.

AHPA worked with members to ensure that the full range of allied health services and contexts were reflected into Support at Home pricing. Government’s initial approach proposed billable units based only on face-to-face client time; AHPA argued that allied health services should instead be costed and priced as client-attributable time.

AHPA advocated strongly for: a definition of allied health in the Rules that captures the full range of allied health services in aged care full funding of allied health as part of Government's commitment that aged care consumers should not contribute to their clinical care removal of the lifetime funding cap on home modifications equivalent treatment of Ahpra-regulated and self-regulating allied health professions for aged care regulation purposes clear links between allied health service provision and the Aged Care Quality Standards' goals of reablement and wellbeing

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Stakeholders succeeded in shifting the approach so that pricing now factors in costs such as travel and indirect care – though all these costs are still expected to be absorbed into a single overall hourly price. Support at Home prices currently remain ‘indicative’, with the Aged Care Commission adjudicating any complaints where pricing is unreasonable. However, Government announced that in 2026 it will set pricing caps for Support at Home services, informed by advice from the Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority.

8 8

Aged Care New allied health quality indicators and Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool Project AHPA has long advocated for benchmarks to measure allied health service provision in aged care – historically difficult in the absence of a nationally consistent process for identifying and assessing allied health needs. As a member of the Department’s Quality Indicator and Star Ratings Technical Advisory Group, AHPA engaged extensively with the rollout of new National Mandatory Allied Health Quality Indicators (QIs) in residential care, including a QI comparing allied health services received against those recommended at each facility. To inform this QI, the Department funded a consortium of AHPA, HealthConsult and Liquid Interactive to develop and pilot an Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool (AHNAT) for residential aged care. The AHNAT was piloted across selected facilities, with resulting assessments subject to a validation process; the Department will receive a final report on the Project in February 2026.

Focus areas for 2026 Reform monitoring – Ensure the impacts of reforms are independently monitored and evaluated, including assessing whether older people’s allied health needs are being met Quality indicators – Advocate for meaningful, nationally consistent allied health quality indicators across residential and home care Pricing and workforce viability – Push for pricing and funding models that sustain allied health service delivery and support recruitment and retention in aged care.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Advocacy

Digital Health Highlights Published the Digital Transformation Survey report Delivered a SNOMED terminology mapping project with CSIRO and the Australian Digital Health Agency, bringing together 28 allied health professions Secured ongoing funding from CSIRO and the Australian Digital Health Agency to continue integrating allied health into the Australian digital ecosystem Established a Digital Health Change Leads Group to build member engagement with the digital health program of work

SNOMED Terminology Mapping Project AHPA conducted a project to begin ensuring the terminology required for allied health professionals to share priority consumer health information via an interoperable digital environment is contained within the SNOMED database. Conducted in collaboration with CSIRO and funded by the Australian Digital Health Agency, the project brought together representatives from 28 different allied health professions to identify terminology already included in SNOMED, and terminology that is missing but needed, to enable sharing of consumer information related to diagnoses and procedures. This work has been presented at national and international forums, and the methodology developed and proven is paving the way for more holistic digital health records for consumers. However, many more areas of information still need to be identified and mapped against SNOMED.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

AHPA continues to advocate for funding to progress this essential enabling work, which will support use of the Australian Clinical Data for Interoperability (AUCDI) being developed by Sparked, and ultimately support the flow of allied healthgenerated consumer health information for the benefit of all Australians.

Building Member Engagement in Digital Health The Australian Digital Health Agency contract has facilitated the establishment of a Digital Health Change Leads Group, through which AHPA is supporting members to increase their participation in the digital health program of work. Together with the change leads and AHPA member organisations, AHPA is developing and implementing a significant education and communication campaign to build awareness of, connection to and engagement with national digital products such as My Health Record, Provider Connect Australia and electronic prescribing.

Digital Health Focus areas for 2026 Terminology mapping expansion – Advocate for continued funding to progress SNOMED terminology mapping across additional areas of allied health information Education and communication campaign – Deliver the digital health education and communication campaign in partnership with member organisations and change leads Digital Health Hub – Continue developing the enhanced Allied Health Digital Health Hub as the sector's gateway to digital health resources

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Advocacy

Disability Highlights Hosted a sector-wide Disability Roundtable with Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Held direct meetings with Minister McAllister and Senator the Hon Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth Strengthened relationships with the NDIA and the Department, including securing their participation in AHPA working group meetings Presented evidence at the Federal Thriving Kids Inquiry and the NSW Foundational Supports Inquiry Informed the release of updated NDIA therapy supports operational guidelines Participated in Thriving Kids Advisory Group deep dives with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Disability sector roundtable with Minister McAllister In September, AHPA hosted a sector-wide disability-focused roundtable with Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS. With representation from 19 allied health associations, discussions marked the beginning of a constructive and effective ongoing relationship with the Minister and her office. The roundtable focused on three keys areas of reform: NDIS Therapy Pricing Policy Thriving Kids and Foundational Supports Evidence-Based Therapy Supports The session provided important opportunity to highlight: the importance of early and ongoing consultation with the sector the intersection between Thriving Kids and the NDIS the value of transparency in therapy support policy reviews, coupled with deeper engagement with professional associations and expert clinicians.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Disability Ministerial meetings In July, AHPA met with Minister McAllister to discuss the important role of allied health within the NDIS and how engagement with the sector can be strengthened as further reform work is undertaken – ensuring participants can access essential allied health services now and into the future. In November, AHPA met with Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, with a particular focus on the design of the Thriving Kids Initiative. AHPA welcomed the opportunity to contribute allied health perspectives to shaping better outcomes for children and families, and looks forward to continuing this collaboration as the initiative's design progresses.

Thriving Kids Inquiry There was a strong allied health presence at the public hearings for the Thriving Kids Inquiry on 20 October, with AHPA CEO Bronwyn Morris-Donovan joining members to give evidence. Allied health professionals play a vital role in supporting children's health, development and wellbeing. For Thriving Kids to succeed, allied health must be embedded as a central and integral part of the initiative's design and delivery – ensuring children and their families are supported in the most effective way possible. All children with disability or developmental delay have the right to timely access to the allied health services they need to reach their full potential. AHPA also provided a written submission to the Inquiry, outlining key recommendations from the allied health sector.

Focus areas for 2026 Thriving Kids rollout – Advocate for allied health to be embedded as a central, integral part of program design, and engage with jurisdictions to support implementation NDIS reform framework – Help shape the new NDIS framework to ensure allied health perspectives are central to its development Therapy Supports pricing – Advocate for a sustainable, evidence-based pricing policy for therapy supports.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Advocacy

Mental Health & Psychosocial Disability Highlights Worked with AHPA members and sector partners to advocate for improved access to psychosocial supports within and outside the NDIS Contributed to the development of improved access pathways for people with psychosocial disability through AHPA's role on the NDIA Mental Health Reference Group Supported the development of a national mental health capability framework and other workforce initiatives through the National Mental Health Workforce Sector Advisory Group

Mental Health Policy and the NDIA Mental Health Reference Group AHPA expanded its focus on mental health and psychosocial disability in 2025, working with its advisory group and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on key areas of mental health policy – including the development and implementation of the National Early Intervention Service digital mental health program (now called Medicare Mental Health Check In) and changes to Better Access general practice referral processes. Through its role on the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Mental Health Reference Group, AHPA provided input into an early intervention pathway for psychosocial disability and raised concerns about declining rates of access for people with psychosocial disability.

AHPA also expanded its work with key sector stakeholders, including Mental Health Australia, to advocate for prioritising psychosocial foundational supports.

National Mental Health Workforce Strategy AHPA participated in the National Mental Health Workforce Sector Advisory Group, supporting input to the Department on work associated with the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. A key focus in late 2025 was contributing to the development of a national mental health capability framework, a commitment made by all health and mental health ministers. AHPA also worked with members to track and provide input to the Productivity Commission's Final Review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

Focus areas for 2026 Psychosocial foundational supports – Work with the sector to address unmet psychosocial need and begin exploring models for psychosocial foundational supports Youth mental health models – Advocate for the allied health role in new and expanded youth mental health models of care through the Department's Expert Advisory Group Medicare-funded access – Support expanded access to allied health mental health services through Medicare funding expansion

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Advocacy

Primary Care Highlights Supported the Medicare Review Advisory Committee’s (MRAC) review of MBS-referred chronic condition management services Worked with Government through the Primary Care and Workforce Taskforce to support work to implement recommendations from the Unleashing the Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review Worked with the sector to address the impact on patients and allied health practitioners of Medicare Chronic Conditions Management changes to GP referral processes Supported allied health engagement and commissioning through the Primary Health Networks (PHN) program.

The 2025-26 Budget and Primary Care Reform The 2025-26 Federal Budget saw the Australian Government commit around $8.5 billion to expanding primary care funding, with large increases to general practice bulk billing incentive payments and funding for 50 additional urgent care clinics as the centrepiece of the Commonwealth's investment. AHPA took an active role supporting the Primary Care and Workforce Taskforce — an internal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing group tasked with implementing the outcomes of four primary care reviews, including the Scope of Practice Review. The Taskforce worked across a range of areas, including multidisciplinary funding reform, developing a capability matrix for primary care professions, and direct referral pathways from allied health professionals to medical specialists.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Change from an allied health perspective remained slow. While a small number of urgent care clinic models include allied health practitioners, advocacy to expand this model more broadly has not yet resulted in change. A key focus for AHPA has been direct engagement with Government to build understanding of the allied health primary care role and the need for targeted funding to improve access. Primary Health Networks (PHN) Engagement AHPA continued working with Primary Health Networks to deliver the multidisciplinary commissioning initiative funded in the previous Budget. This included supporting several PHNs with the design and development of their projects, and working with the national PHN Cooperative to build a collaborative network connecting PHN allied health staff with allied health association representatives. AHPA also provided input into the PHN governance review.

Primary Care Focus areas for 2026 MRAC recommendations – Support the finalisation of MRAC recommendations for an expansion of allied health chronic condition management services, and a Commonwealth commitment to fund the expansion Scope of practice – Advocate for allied health professionals to work to the top of their scope, including access to direct referral rights to medical specialists PHN commissioning – Support PHNs to commission allied health services and engage allied health professionals

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Advocacy

Rural & Remote Highlights Welcomed the new Deputy Rural Health Commissioner for Allied Health and supported the work of the Office of the Rural Health Commissioner Provided rural and remote-specific input into reviews and consultations, including the Medicare Chronic Conditions Framework, referral process changes for Chronic Conditions and Better Access, and the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy Worked with sector stakeholders to advocate for increased rural funding and expanded Prac Payments eligibility for students on rural placements Highlighted the impact of NDIS travel funding cuts on rural communities

Strengthening Rural and Remote Advocacy AHPA continued its increased focus on rural and remote issues in 2025, drawing on the work of its Rural and Remote Advisory Group to inform other AHPA policy portfolios, including aged care, disability, mental health and primary care. This additional focus strengthened AHPA's input into a range of submissions and inquiries, ensuring the specific access issues experienced by rural Australians and the differences in rural allied health practice were reflected.

AHPA continued to strengthen partnerships with rural and remote stakeholders working to support allied health access and practice, including deepening engagement with the National Rural Health Alliance, rural workforce agencies, and the Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences (ACDHS). The Advisory Group also maintained a specific focus on opportunities to strengthen rural placements and training pathways.

Focus areas for 2026 Training and placements – Work with university and sector partners to advocate for increased rural training and placement opportunities Prac Payments expansion – Advocate for expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payments program Medicare access reform – Improve accessibility of Medicare-funded allied health and specialist services through funding reforms and increased support for services delivered outside clinical settings

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Advocacy

Workforce Highlights Supported the development of the first National Allied Health Workforce Strategy (NAHWS) Worked with the sector and parliamentarians to advocate for expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payments program to all allied health professions Supported the Independent Review of Complexity in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS)

Commonwealth Prac Payments

National Allied Health Workforce Strategy

The launch of the Commonwealth Prac Payments program on 1 July 2025 provided welcome new support for social work students undertaking unpaid placements as part of their university training. AHPA undertook a range of activities to support an expansion of the program to other allied health professions, including a media launch at Parliament House alongside cross-bench parliamentarians Senator David Pocock and Dr Sophie Scamps MP, students and profession representatives.

AHPA undertook extensive work throughout the year to support consultation on, and development of, Australia's first National Allied Health Workforce Strategy (NAHWS). AHPA provided formal advice to Government as a member of the NAHWS Sector Advisory Group, while also working with members, jurisdictional allied health stakeholders and the Office of the Rural Health Commissioner to support the strategy's development.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Workforce Independent Review of NRAS Complexity

Persistent Gaps in Workforce Investment

A key focus for AHPA in 2025 was supporting the Independent Review of Complexity in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS). AHPA successfully advocated for a greater focus on self-regulating health professions and the effectiveness of co-regulation with state and territory Health Complaints Entities, and helped guide considerations around a proposed additional regulatory tier. AHPA welcomed the release of the report and has since engaged with the Health Workforce Taskforce (HWT) to support implementation of its recommendations.

Despite this progress, the sector was frustrated by an ongoing lack of support for allied health workforce initiatives. A $662.6 million investment in Medicare health workforce development was limited to medical practitioners, and the Government's first paid campaign promoting primary healthcare careers excluded allied health — despite allied health professionals comprising Australia's largest primary care workforce.

Focus areas for 2026 New partnerships – Develop partnerships with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and the Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences (ACDHS) to build advocacy and policy capacity around workforce development pathways NAHWS release and funding – Advocate for the release of the NAHWS and funding for implementation activities Regulatory structures – Support the work of the Health Workforce Taskforce (HWT) and Ahpra to strengthen regulatory structures for self-regulating health professions, including changes to Ahpra Board structures Prac Payments expansion – Continue advocacy for expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payments program

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Sector representation AHPA’s work is informed by participation and contribution across a range of external advisory committees.

Aged Care Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: Aged Care Clinical Standards Advisory Committee Independent Health & Aged Care Pricing Authority: Aged Care Network National Aged Care Alliance Aged Care Transition Sector Working Group Quality Indicator and Star Ratings Technical Advisory Group Inspector-General of Aged Care Consultive Committee Independent Health & Aged Care Pricing Authority: Stakeholder Advisory Committee Residential Aged Care Funding Reform Working Group

Primary Health & Rural & Remote Health Advisory Network of the National Rural Health Commissioner Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Oversight Committee Expert Panel on Primary Care and Workforce Reviews Primary Health Network Implementation Framework Group Allied Health Industry Reference Group Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities Health Advisory Group Department of Veterans Affairs Providers Forum Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Primary Healthcare Advisory Committee Services Australia (MBS)

Digital Health ADHA Aged Care Advisory Group ADHA Council for Connected Care Digital and Allied Health Program Steering Committee Diagnostic Imaging Stakeholder Committee Clinical Reference Group – Faster access to diagnostic imaging and pathology reports in My Health Record

Public Health

Disability

Quality Standards

Roadmap Implementation Governance Group Disability & Health Sector Consultation Committee National Assistive Technology Alliance NDIA Industry Chief Executive Forum NDIS National Mental Health Sector Reference Group

General

IHACPA: Classifications Clinical Advisory Group IHACPA: Clinical Advisory Committee IHACPA: Non admitted Care Advisory Working Group IHACPA: Sub-acute Care Working Group *IHACPA – Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: Primary Care Committee Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: General Practice Accreditation Coordinating Committee Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: Primary and Community Healthcare Advisory Committee

HumanAbility Health Industry Advisory Committee HumanAbility Aged & Disability Services Industry Advisory Committee

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

AHPA Advisory Groups AHPA's Advisory Groups bring together member expertise across key policy areas, feeding directly into the organisation's advocacy work throughout the year. Each group is chaired by one of AHPA's senior policy advisors and includes representatives such as association policy staff, academics, and practitioners with relevant sector experience. In 2025, the Advisory Groups shaped AHPA's consultation across the following areas:

Aged Care Advisory Group Residential Care Service List Consultation Discussion Paper Draft Aged Care Rules Release 3 (Relating to Provider Obligations) Inspector General of Aged Care 2025 Progress Report on Implementation of Aged Care Royal Commission Recommendations IHACPA Work Program and Corporate Plan 2025–26 Draft for Public Consultation ACQSC Cost Recovery Consultation Paper Response to NACA Survey for Discussion Paper Aged Care Rules Release 4b Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Support at Home Aged Care Services 2026–27 Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Residential Aged Care Services 2026–27 Inquiry into Aged Care Service Delivery Digital Health Advisory Group Response to Australian Core Data for Interoperability release 1 Review of the My Health Records Legislative Instruments

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Disability Advisory Group Inquiry into Foundational and Disability Supports Available for Children and Young People in New South Wales (Senate inquiry) Department of Social Services NDIS Supports Rules Consultation Inquiry into the Thriving Kids Initiative NDIS Practice Standards Review Health Navigation Needs to People with Disability Disability Safeguards Consultation Mental Health Mental Health Curriculum Consultation (Survey Response) Productivity Commission Interim Report Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

Primary Care Advisory Group National Allied Health Workforce Strategy (Survey Response) NRAS Complexity Review Targeted Consultation - Self-regulation

2025 AHPA Member Policy Symposium In October, AHPA hosted its annual Member Policy Symposium in Melbourne for a dynamic and insightful day. This year’s Symposium focused on strengthening government relations: from building effective campaigns to aligning member communications with advocacy strategy. A consistent theme throughout the day was the power of unity – how a collective voice can shape policy, build influence, and drive meaningful change. We began the day with a Networking Breakfast for Presidents and CEOs, where special guest David Koczkar, CEO of Medibank, shared a powerful message: if we want to preserve the quality of healthcare in Australia, we must work together. Collaboration isn’t just important – it’s the future of health. Special thanks to our Chief Allied Health Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, whose presentation echoed the power of a unified sector voice. Practical workshops delivered by Amanda Bresnan from Regis Strategis, and Steve Michelson and Kushan Nawagamuwage from Banksia Strategic Partners, offered actionable strategies for engaging with government and members to deliver impactful campaigns. The energy and engagement in the room reflected just how invested our sector is in working together. It was a rich day of learning, networking, and growth – and a reminder that together, we're building a stronger, more connected health sector.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

AHPA Membership AHPA welcomed Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia as an AHPA Full (Ordinary) member in July. In September, the Australian Traditional Medicine Society joined as an Affiliate Member, and AHPA welcomed the Oral Health Association of Australia as an Affiliate Member after their successful merger with the Dental Hygienists Association, an existing Affiliate Member of AHPA. The Australian Hand Therapy Association was endorsed as an AHPA Full (Ordinary) Member in 2025, bringing AHPA’s total membership to 30 Full (Ordinary) Members and 10 Affiliate Members.

Ordinary Members Audiology Australia Australasian Association and Register of Practicing Nutritionists Australasian College of Paramedic Practitioners Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors Australasian Sonographers Association Australia and New Zealand College of Perfusionists Australian Association of Psychologists Inc Australian Association of Social Workers Australian Chiropractors Association Australian Diabetes Educators Association Australian Hand Therapy Association

Affiliate Members

Australian Music Therapy Association Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association

Australian Pacific Play Therapy Association

Australian Physiotherapy Association

Australasian Lymphology Association

Australian Podiatry Association

Australian Counselling Association

Australian Psychological Society

Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians

Australian Society of Medical Imaging and

Australian Traditional Medicine Society

Radiation Therapy

Dance Movement Therapy Association of

Australian Society of Rehabilitation

Australasia

Counsellors

Massage and Myotherapy Australia

Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative

Myotherapy Association Australia

Arts Therapies Association

Oral Health Association of Australia (formerly

Chiropractic Australia

the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia)

Dietitians Australia

Play Therapy Practitioners Association

Exercise and Sports Science Australia Occupational Therapy Australia Optometry Australia Orthoptics Australia Osteopathy Australia Pedorthic Association of Australia Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Speech Pathology Australia

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

AHPA Governance This year was one of change for the AHPA Board. In May, the Board farewelled Antony Nicolas as AHPA Chair and welcomed Samantha Hunter into the position. The Board thanks Antony for 10 years on the AHPA Board and his extraordinary contribution to advancing the allied health sector. In February, Katherine Utry, General Manager, Policy and Government Relations at the Australian Physiotherapy Association, joined the Board. In May, the Board also farewelled Directors Catriona Davis-McCabe and Kate Dempsey, and welcomed Hilary Shelton (CEO, Australian Podiatry Association)

Dr Sara Quinn (President, Australian Psychological Society) and Danielle Smith (CEO, Exercise & Sports Science Australia). Sara and Danielle later stepped down in 2025 after taking up roles outside their member organisations. The Board and AHPA team thank outgoing Directors Antony, Catriona, Kate, Sara and Danielle for their service to allied health and AHPA. The Board also thanks Amy Cooper and Skye Cappuccio for their guidance as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee in 2025.

Board of Directors Samantha Hunter

Kate Dempsey

AHPA Chair (from May 2025) Previous member - Governance & Risk Committee

Director (until May 2025) Member - Governance & Risk Committee Member – Finance & Audit Committee

Antony Nicholas

Dr Sara Quinn

AHPA Chair (until May 2025)

Director (May - October 2025)

Skye Cappuccio AHPA Deputy Chair

Amy Cooper Independent Director Chair – Finance & Audit Committee

Hilary Shelton Director (from May 2025) Member – Governance & Risk Committee

Danielle Smith Director (May - November 2025)

Annie Hayward

Katherine Utry

Independent Director Chair – Governance & Risk Committee

Director (from February 2025) Member – Governance & Risk Committee

Fiona Allen

Bronwyn Morris-Donovan

Independent Director Member – Finance & Audit Committee

Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary

Catriona Davis-McCabe Director (until May 2025) Member – Governance & Risk Committee

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Financial Report Revenue Sources

Retained Earnings and Financial Position

AHPA’s primary revenue streams are membership fees (30%) and grant funding (69%). In 2025, grant income increased by 15% compared to the previous year. Funding was secured from a range of sources, including the Australian Government’s Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program (HPAB), the Australian Digital Health Agency, CSIRO, and Health Consult. These funds support key advocacy initiatives and the delivery of specific project outcomes aligned with each funding agreement.

AHPA’s retained earnings of $584,988 (compared to $468,817 in 2024) position the organisation comfortably to continue providing strong representation for allied health professions across all sectors and settings.

The 2025 financial year recorded growth in both grant and membership income. The increase in membership revenue reflects a modest adjustment to fees in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Overall, the rise in total income was primarily driven by the growth in grant funding.

Project Funding Project funding was distributed over 3 sources:

The Australian Digital Health Agency provided funds to support the development of digital education specifically for the allied health sector to increase uptake of digital tools.

Health Consult to develop an Allied Health Needs Assessment Tool for residential aged care settings.

Health Peak Advisory Body grant to deliver on key Government initiatives that align with priorities of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Allied Health Professions Australia 2025 Year in Review

Surplus Result and Audited Financial Statements The Audited Financial Statements show a surplus of $116,171 (compared to a net deficit after tax of $127,371 in 2024). This variance is primarily due to AHPA’s increased grant revenue.

Acknowledgements I extend my sincere thanks to Finance and Audit Committee members Skye Cappuccio and Fiona Allen, current AHPA Chair Samantha Hunter and outgoing AHPA Chair Antony Nicholas for their leadership and contributions. We also recognise the dedication and professionalism of AHPA CEO Bronwyn MorrisDonovan and Finance Officer Belinda Johnson, whose support has been invaluable to the Finance and Audit Committee and to the organisation more broadly.

Amy Cooper Chair, Finance and Audit Committee