Resources
Allied Health Reform Calendar
The changes to how Allied Health is funded, regulated and paid, each linked to its source. For Thriving Kids by state, see the Thriving Kids tracker. For open consultations, see the Consultation Tracker.
Last reviewed
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2021
Aged CareAged Care Royal Commission final report tabled
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety tables its final report, which sets the direction for the reforms that follow.
SourceRoyal Commission, final reportChecked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityIndependent assessments will not proceed
Disability ministers agree that the proposed NDIS independent assessments will not proceed, and commit to designing a person-centred model with people with disability instead.
SourceNDIA news, Disability reform Ministers' meeting on 9 JulyChecked 20 Oct 2026
2022
Aged CarePhysiotherapyAN-ACC replaces ACFI
Residential Aged Care funding moves to the Australian National Aged Care Classification. The ACFI pain management payments that funded much residential Physiotherapy end with the old model.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 20 Oct 2026
2023
DisabilityNDIS Review final report
The independent review recommends foundational supports outside the scheme and changes to how plans are set.
SourceDepartment of Social ServicesChecked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeNDIS Review final report
2024
Disability2024-25 NDIS price limits
Therapy price limits are held where they were, except psychology, which rises with wages and costs. The short-notice cancellation period for therapy and other non support worker supports falls to 2 business days.
SourceNDIA news, NDIA releases Annual Pricing Review ahead of further pricing reformsChecked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityGetting the NDIS Back on Track Act commences
Lists of what can and cannot be funded as an NDIS support take effect, with more changes phased in after this date.
SourceNDIA, the new NDIS bill receives Royal AssentChecked 20 Oct 2026
2025
MedicareGP chronic condition management plans replace GP management plans
Medicare Allied Health services for chronic conditions now come through a GP chronic condition management plan, which replaces GP management plans and team care arrangements.
SourceServices Australia, services available under a GP chronic condition management planChecked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityPhysiotherapyDieteticsPodiatryPsychology2025-26 NDIS price limits
Physiotherapy falls $10 to $183.99 an hour, dietetics and podiatry fall $5 to $188.99, and psychology rises $10 to $232.99. State loadings for physiotherapy and psychology in WA, SA, the NT and Tasmania end, and therapy travel is paid at half the price limit.
SourceNDIA Annual Pricing Review 2024-25Checked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityThriving Kids announced
The Minister for the NDIS announces Thriving Kids, a program for children with developmental delay and autism delivered outside the NDIS.
SourceMinister Butler, National Press Club speechChecked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityThe NDIA chooses I-CAN for needs assessments
The NDIA licenses the I-CAN version 6 tool. Accredited assessors will use it to assess the support needs of participants aged 16 and over under the new planning framework.
SourceNDIA news, new tool to deliver simpler pathway to disability supportsChecked 20 Oct 2026
Aged CareSupport at Home and the new Aged Care Act start
Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care, and the Aged Care Act 2024 commences. CHSP is not part of this change.
MedicarePsychologySocial workOccupational therapyBetter Access referrals tied to the patient's usual GP
Mental health treatment plans, referrals for treatment and plan reviews must come from a GP or prescribed medical practitioner at the patient's MyMedicare practice, or their usual medical practitioner.
SourceMBS Online, news for 1 November 2025Checked 20 Oct 2026
2026
EmploymentFair Work Commission decision on the HPSS Award
The Commission decides to restructure health professional classifications and phase in higher minimum rates over five stages.
SourceFair Work Commission, [2026] FWCFB 123Checked 28 Aug 2026
Also seeFinal determination, PR814029HPSS Award rate finder
Consulted onHPSS Award health professional evidence
EmploymentAnnual Wage Review, 4.75 per cent
Award minimum wages rise 4.75 per cent from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. This is separate from, and on top of, the HPSS Award phasing.
SourceFair Work Ombudsman, minimum wages increase from 1 July 2026Checked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeFair Work Ombudsman pay guides
Consulted onAnnual Wage Review 2026
DisabilityPsychologyDieteticsExercise physiology2026-27 NDIS price limits
The Pricing Schedule replaces the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Psychology rises to $252.99 an hour, dietetics falls to $178.99 and exercise physiology to $161.99. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and podiatry are held, and travel and non-face-to-face time get their own line items.
SourceNDIAChecked 6 Sep 2026
Also seeNDIA annual pricing review reportAllied Health Margin Calculator
Consulted onNDIS Annual Pricing Review 2026-27
DisabilityMandatory registration for SIL and platform providers
Supported Independent Living and platform providers must now be registered. Therapy providers are not in the mandatory categories.
SourceNDIS Quality and Safeguards CommissionChecked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilitySecuring the NDIS Act passes
The Securing the NDIS for Future Generations amendments pass Parliament and receive Royal Assent the next day, staging changes to pricing, claiming, plans and provider conduct.
SourceNDIA, Securing the NDIS for future generationsChecked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeDepartment explainerDepartment implementation timeline
Consulted onSecuring the NDIS Bill inquiry
DisabilitySecuring the NDIS Act: first changes commence
The NDIA gains its own compliance and enforcement powers, and claim records must be kept for 7 years. Unscheduled plan reassessments narrow, with 90 days for the NDIA to decide. The Minister becomes the decision-maker on NDIS price limits, though none has been set under the new power.
SourceFederal Register of Legislation, Act No. 66, 2026Checked 26 Aug 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
Aged CareAN-ACC price for 2026-27
The AN-ACC price rises 2.6 per cent to $303.19. Care minutes requirements, Base Care Tariffs and classification weightings are unchanged.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 5 Oct 2026
EmploymentHPSS Award health professional classifications start
New health professional classifications and Stage 1 minimum rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026.
SourceFair Work Commission, determination PR814029Checked 28 Sep 2026
Also seeFair Work Ombudsman pay guidesHPSS Award rate finder
Consulted onHPSS Award draft determinationHPSS Award revised draft after the wage review
DisabilitySupport determination cuts two NDIS budgets
The NDIS (Support) Determination 2026 cuts funding for social, economic and community participation supports by 50 per cent and for improved daily living supports by 10 per cent. It applies to new and reassessed plans under the current planning framework from 1 October 2026.
SourceNDIS (Support) Determination 2026, F2026L01332Checked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
DisabilityThriving Kids rollout begins
State services for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs start rolling out, with all supports in place by January 2028.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 5 Oct 2026
Injury schemesNSWNSW workers compensation: four Allied Health visits before approval
Treatment must now be reasonable and necessary, and the number of Allied Health consultations available without insurer pre-approval falls from 8 to 4.
SourceSIRA, reasonable and necessary reforms commencing 1 October 2026Checked 20 Oct 2026
Consulted onNSW workers compensation regulations and guidelines
Today22 Oct 2026
MedicareMedicare Healthy Kids Check for three-year-olds
A new Medicare health check for three-year-olds starts, using the existing health assessment items.
SourceMBS Online, news for 1 November 2026Checked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityGifts and incentives become an offence
Providers must not offer a gift, benefit or other thing likely to induce someone to engage them or increase their supports. Penalties reach $3.64 million for a serious contravention, and cash, alcohol, tobacco and electronic devices can never be permitted.
SourceFederal Register of LegislationChecked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
DisabilityNDIS 90 day claiming window
Claims must be made within 90 days of the day a support is provided, down from 2 years. A later claim can still be accepted in exceptional circumstances.
SourceFederal Register of LegislationChecked 26 Aug 2026
PrivacyAutomated decisions must be disclosed
Where a computer program makes, or substantially and directly helps make, a decision that could significantly affect a person's rights or interests, the privacy policy must say what kinds of personal information it uses and what kinds of decisions it makes. Health service providers are covered by the Privacy Act whatever their turnover.
SourcePrivacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, section 2 and Schedule 1, Part 15Checked 22 Oct 2026
Also seeOAIC guidelines on APP 1, including automated decisionsOAIC fact sheet and flowchart on automated decisions
2027
DisabilityPlan renewal and the therapy hours cap power
Plans renew for 12 months without carrying over unspent funds, the reasonable and necessary test tightens, and a new power lets the Minister cap funded hours, intensity or worker ratios for a support. Renewed plans also take the cuts in the support determination.
SourceFederal Register of LegislationChecked 26 Aug 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
DisabilityNew Framework Planning and I-CAN needs assessments begin
The new planning system starts rolling out after being deferred from July 2026. A needs assessment sets the plan budget, using the I-CAN tool for participants aged 16 and over. The budget methodology has not been published.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 6 Sep 2026
Also seeNDIA I-CAN announcement
Consulted onNew framework planning rules, first roundNew framework planning rules, second round
EmploymentHPSS Award health professionals stage 2
The second of five staged increases to health professional minimum rates.
SourceFair Work Commission, [2026] FWCFB 123, paragraph 80Checked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeStaged rates, [2026] FWCFB 216HPSS Award rate finder
MedicareOld GP management plans stop supporting Allied Health services
From this date Medicare Allied Health services for chronic conditions need a GP chronic condition management plan. Plans and team care arrangements made before 1 July 2025 worked until 30 June 2027.
SourceServices Australia, services available under a GP chronic condition management planChecked 20 Oct 2026
DisabilityExpanded mandatory NDIS registration begins
Mandatory registration rolls out for providers of higher risk supports, with everyone in scope registered by December 2030. The list of higher risk supports has not been published.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 5 Oct 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
Consulted onA new definition of an NDIS provider
DisabilityNDIS provider enrolment begins
A new enrolment system collects basic identifying information on most NDIS providers, registered or not. Every provider in scope must be enrolled by December 2027.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and Ageing, Securing the NDIS timelineChecked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
DVADVA Allied Health fees rise
The government is putting $169.7 million over five years into higher Allied Health fees for Veteran Card holders from this date.
SourceDVA provider news, 2026-27 Federal Budget measures for health providersChecked 20 Oct 2026
Consulted onNew veteran Allied Health arrangements from July 2027
DisabilityContingentCommissioned panel for plan management
Only providers selected for a panel will be able to deliver plan management, and participants whose provider is not selected will need to move.
ContingentThe date depends on a law or decision not yet made, so it may move.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 5 Oct 2026
2028
DisabilityNDIS access changes for children and Thriving Kids at scale
Thriving Kids is fully rolled out, and new NDIS access rules can exclude people whose needs are better met by another service system. Who is excluded depends on rules that have not been made.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 28 Sep 2026
EmploymentHPSS Award health professionals stage 3
The third of five staged increases to health professional minimum rates.
SourceFair Work Commission, [2026] FWCFB 123, paragraph 80Checked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeStaged rates, [2026] FWCFB 216HPSS Award rate finder
DisabilityContingentCommissioned support coordination and connection
The NDIA plans to appoint providers directly to a support coordination and connection service, replacing individually funded support coordination. A September 2026 consultation paper prefers one lead organisation per region, and the date rests on a 2026-27 Budget measure with no basis in legislation yet.
ContingentThe date depends on a law or decision not yet made, so it may move.
SourceSupport Coordination and Connection consultation paper, September 2026Checked 21 Oct 2026
Also seeDepartment explainer
Consulted onNDIS support coordination and connection service
2029
Aged CareCHSP funding runs to 30 June 2029
CHSP is extended as a standalone program to 30 June 2029, with consultation on its long-term future. No date is set for it to move to Support at Home.
EmploymentHPSS Award health professionals stage 4
The fourth of five staged increases to health professional minimum rates.
SourceFair Work Commission, [2026] FWCFB 123, paragraph 80Checked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeStaged rates, [2026] FWCFB 216HPSS Award rate finder
2030
EmploymentHPSS Award health professionals stage 5
The last of five staged increases to health professional minimum rates.
SourceFair Work Commission, [2026] FWCFB 123, paragraph 80Checked 20 Oct 2026
Also seeStaged rates, [2026] FWCFB 216HPSS Award rate finder
Date not yet set
2 changes
Aged CareSupport at Home price caps deferred
Price caps were due on 1 July 2026 and were deferred on 19 May 2026 with no new date. In the meantime the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can order refunds for overcharging, and the Department publishes median prices each quarter.
SourceDepartment of Health, Disability and AgeingChecked 25 Sep 2026
EmploymentVICVictorian public sector Allied Health enterprise agreement
The 2021 to 2026 agreement covering Allied Health professionals in Victorian public health services expired on 28 February 2026 and no replacement has been made. Bargaining is continuing.
SourceVictorian Department of HealthChecked 4 Aug 2026
Seen a change that is missing or out of date? Email trystan@conwaygroup.com.au
General information compiled from public sources. It is not legal, financial or industrial relations advice. Check the linked source before acting.
Further reading
28 August 2026The NDIS Bill has passed. What now for Allied Health providersTighter reassessments, Minister-set pricing, a 90 day claiming window and a funding cut that lands in the same month as a wage rise.
9 September 2026The Health Professionals and Support Services Award changes on 1 October 2026. What it means for Allied HealthPay points are gone. A therapist's minimum now comes from their qualification level and years in the profession, and day to day supervision can sit above $101,000.
22 June 2026NDIS APR 2026-27: what it means for Allied Health ProvidersThe cuts, the held prices and why the new line items matter more than the headline percentage. What to check before 1 July.
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