Submitted to the Department of the Treasury (January 2021).

Medicare Benefits Schedule

The Federal Budget should introduce Medicare reforms, and prioritise giving all Australians permanent access to dietetics services via telehealth. Australians should receive 10 allied health service consultations annually - an increase on the existing 5 consultations, with APDs also recognised as mental health practitioners. Medicare should better subsidise dietetic consultations, and acknowledge the importance of seeking help from an APD.

Australian Dietary Guidelines review

Funding is required to develop Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians, prioritising public education, implementation and evaluation of the new Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Health policy

Food and nutrition programs and strategies are required to combat chronic disease and health concerns in Australia.

Aged care

The aged care sector should receive additional funding to engage APDs to improve malnutrition screening practices and the existing nutrition, food and dining experiences offered.

Allied health students should be encouraged to complete regional, rural and remote placements via the reintroduction of scholarships.

For more download our full submission.