APA Board of Directors Election – Voting now open
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for all eligible members to vote for the outstanding vacancies on the APA Board of Directors. Voting closes Friday 23 November 2026 at 5.00 pm AEDT.
At the close of nominations on Monday 12 October 2026, there were four (4) nominations for the two (2) vacant positions on the APA Board.
Before casting your vote, please read each candidate's supporting statements, listed below.
The nominees are, in alphabetical order:
Nominees
Supporting statement
The Board actively support and endorse current Member Director, Catherine Willis, GAICD, for another term on the Board.
Who is eligible to vote?
Voting is limited to members of the Board, State Branch Councils, National Group National Committees, National Advisory Council, National Professional Standards Panel, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee, National Rural Advisory Committee, LGBTQIA+ National Committee, Journal of Physiotherapy Editorial Board and the Australian College of Physiotherapists Council.
There is one vote only per eligible member. This is in accordance with the APA Constitution and Elections policy.
How voting works in the APA Director election
Voting opens Monday 2 November 2026 and closes Friday 23 November 2026 at 5.00 pm AEDT.
For the first time, APA is using an online voting platform for the 2026 Board of Directors election. Each eligible voter will receive a ballot link by email, and TrueVote will administer the ballot and independent count. This supports a straightforward election experience and APA’s continued focus on strong governance.
How to complete your ballot
Read the candidates’ supporting statements, then rank every candidate in your order of preference:
- Enter 1 beside the candidate you prefer most.
- Enter 2 beside your next choice, then continue until every candidate is ranked.
- Use each number once – the online ballot will prompt you to complete all rankings before you submit.
How preferences are used
Your ballot records your preferences in the order you choose. The count uses those rankings under the approved rules for this election. Preferences after your first choice can matter as the count progresses, so rank candidates in your genuine order of preference.
Your invitation and reminders
Look for your voting invitation from no-reply@truevote.com.au. If you have not voted, TrueVote will send reminder emails before voting closes on Monday, 23 November 2026 at 5.00pm AEDT. Follow the link in your invitation to access your ballot.
If you have any queries about the online voting Contact Melanie Sherrin, General Counsel, at Returning.Officer@australian.physio
About the positions
The roles will commence on 1 January 2027 and the term will be three (3) years.
The APA prides itself on best practice when it comes to corporate governance.
The APA Board governs the association with an emphasis on:
- a future focus that adds value
- strategic issues rather than administrative detail
- pro-activity rather than reactivity
- encouraging a diversity of opinions and views
- reconciling diversity of opinion into a clear and appropriate strategic direction
- the development and expression of a collective responsibility for all aspects of the Board’s performance
- holding the APA accountable to its values and code of conduct
- continuing improvement in Board and individual Director effectiveness, and
- the interests of the APA as a whole.
The Board have agreed that the following attributes are desirable for future member directors:
Personal qualities
- Integrity, honesty, and good judgement.
- Curiosity, confidence, and courage.
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a collegial team.
- Genuine interest in the organisation, profession, and its business.
- An active contributor.
Specific skills/experience
The APA values a broad range of skills and experience amongst Board members:
- candidates from across the physiotherapy profession
- a broad understanding of corporate governance, compliance, risk, financial management and strategy as required by a non-executive director
- an understanding of the role of a non-executive director and the delineation of governance and operational matters
- leadership and strategic thinking
- an understanding of health care delivery in a variety of settings
- an understanding of health policy formation, lobbying and advocacy.
The Board has also endorsed a Position Description for Member Directors.
The successful nominees will bring a willingness to undertake the AICD Company Directors Course and devote appropriate time to governing the APA.
The APA values diversity of background, sector, experience and perspective amongst our Board directors. The APA honours the richness and importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures around Australia.
We welcome all nominees and commit to a fair and equitable nomination process for all.