Australia: Aged Care Rules 2025 Include Pedorthists

The Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 came into effect on 1 November 2025, establishing Australia’s reformed aged care system.

Signed by Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae on 23 September, the Rules formally recognise pedorthists as allied health professionals, specifically defining Certified Pedorthists registered with the Pedorthic Association of Australia.This recognition reinforces pedorthists’ role in supporting mobility and foot health for older Australians and reflects the inclusion of medical grade footwear (orthopaedic shoes) as a prescribed item under the Support at Home Program.

National PHN Allied Health Engagement Framework and Toolkit

Certified Pedorthist Custom Makers are also recognized Australia’s a National Allied Health in the Primary Care Engagement Framework and Practice Engagement Toolkit, developed by Primary Health Networks (PHNs), to strengthen collaboration with the allied health sector. The Framework provides a roadmap for PHNs to engage more consistently and effectively, recognising the sector's vital role in delivering integrated, prevention-focused care. Developed under the National PHN Cooperative, the Framework aims to foster stronger connections between PHNs and the allied health sector across Australia. The Practice Engagement Toolkit supports this work and recognises Pedorthists among the listed allied health professions.