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    Are You Ready to Pay the "Degree Tax"?

    Allied health award changes may force clinics to pay premiums for honours and masters graduates regardless of results. Learn how to prepare for the 25‑30% wage impact.

    James Grafton

    James Grafton

    · 3 min read

    Are you ready to pay the 'Degree Tax'?
    Are you ready to pay the 'Degree Tax'?

    What Is "Multi-Entry Paypoints"?

    There is a concerning stance starting to cement for the Allied Health Award Rate Changes for 2026.
    It's called "Multi-Entry Paypoints."
    Essentially:

    The Forced Premium

    ❌ Hire a New-Grad with a Bachelors (AQ7)... Pay them ~$35/hr?
    ❌ Hire a New-Grad with a Honours (AQ8)... Pay them ~$38/hr?
    ❌ Hire a New-Grad with a Masters (AQ9)... Pay them ~$41/hr?
    This forces private practice owners to pay extra for image, perception, and perceived value created by universities—not businesses employing allied health.
    The "Degree Tax" wants us to pay a premium for the piece of paper, regardless of the commercial utility or outcome.

    My Stance

    My stance?
    If you want to earn more, get better results for your patients.

    The Combined Impact

    If this comes into effect alongside the Payday Super Changes and Gender Equality Payment Gap, owners can expect a sudden wage increase of around 25-30%.

    Preparing Now

    I am prepping and pivoting coaching clients for this now.
    Are you ready?

    About the Author

    James Grafton, author

    James Grafton

    Known as 'The 8 Figure Business Coach', James specialises in scaling owner-operated businesses through leadership coaching, business mentoring, and virtual CFO services.

    Learn more about James

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