Ahpra introduces rebate for parental and other leave

Good news for Australian dentists planning or returning from parental, disability, or carer's leave – the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has officially implemented a new fee relief policy. As of 7 July 2025, practitioners who take qualifying leave can now claim a 30% rebate on their annual registration fees, a welcome step towards greater fairness and flexibility in professional regulation.

For many years, the burden of full annual registration fees has weighed on health practitioners taking extended leave for significant life events. Recognising these concerns, particularly amidst ongoing cost-of-living pressures, Ahpra has launched a new rebate scheme. This initiative, which is now in effect, offers a tangible financial benefit for eligible dentists and other health professionals.

Under the new policy, a 30% rebate on annual renewal fees is available to practitioners who have taken at least six continuous months of leave on the grounds of a ‘protected attribute’. This includes not only parental leave but also disability and carer's leave, acknowledging a broader range of circumstances that necessitate time away from practice. For many, this could translate to savings of up to $308, depending on their specific registration type and fee structure.

Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner emphasised the significance of this development. “We have listened to concerns and understand the cost-of-living pressures that practitioners who are parents, are pregnant, or have disability or carer responsibilities can face,” he stated. “Today is an important step in our ongoing process of making registration fee arrangements fairer and more flexible.”

Practitioners become eligible to claim the rebate at their next annual renewal after their six-month leave period concludes. This allows for claims on future renewals, with the understanding that the timing of annual renewal dates varies across professions.

Beyond this immediate rebate, Ahpra is continuing its broader review of fee policies.

Work is underway to streamline processes for transitioning between practising and non-practising registration, with the annual cost for such changes now capped. More significantly, a wider review is exploring the implementation of a pro-rata approach to fees, aiming for recommendations to be delivered by November 2025 and new arrangements to come into effect by 1 July 2026. This ongoing work signals Ahpra’s commitment to a more equitable and responsive fee system for all registered health professionals.

This change follows modelling and consultation by Ahpra's Parental Leave Review Committee, established in response to calls from the professions. Their findings and recommendations underpinned the decision to implement the 30% rebate.

This initiative represents a step forward in supporting Australian health practitioners through personal transitions, ensuring greater financial flexibility and continued engagement with their profession.

Dentists seeking more information about eligibility and how to claim this rebate should click on the link below.