media statement

APA statement on the passage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill

The Australian Physiotherapy Association shares the deep concern expressed by people with disability, families, carers and organisations across the sector following passage of NDIS Amendment Bill.
TNHM

New research on tradie health finds alarming rates of chronic pain, raises questions about workforce stability

New research from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has found that chronic work-related pain and discomfort remain widespread among Australia’s tradies, resulting in more than half of those surveyed lacking confidence in their ability to continue working in their trade until retirement age. As Tradies National Health Month begins, the APA is urging tradies in discomfort to seek early treatment from their local physiotherapist, and Federal and State governments to pursue greater investment in preventative health care to ensure the well-being of this critical workforce.
Student

APA welcomes physiotherapy’s inclusion in Commonwealth Prac Payments extension

Today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an expansion of payments for health professionals undertaking clinical and professional placements to include physiotherapy and several other allied health professions. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes this decision, which will ensure more equitable access to those interested in studying physiotherapy and give physiotherapy students across Australia much-needed financial relief as they complete mandatory, unpaid clinical placements.
Two people walking away, one on the left uses a prosthetic leg

Flawed NDIS price freeze for physiotherapy fails to recognise increasing cost of delivering high-quality supports, contradicts efforts to reform the Scheme

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is incredibly disappointed by the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) decision to freeze price limits for physiotherapy supports for the coming year. The unfounded decision contradicts recently announced National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reform efforts, ignores the rising cost of providing high-quality support and relies on a flawed assessment of current market conditions.
  • 04 Nov, 2026

Pricing Framework for Australian Support at Home Aged Care Services 2026-27

Submission by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

April 2026

Person with camo and Australian flag on sleeve

Federal budget 2026-27: A step forward, but deeper reform needed

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) cautiously welcomes the reform-focused sentiment of the 2026-27 Federal budget tonight and a positive announcement for veterans’ health.

APA National President Dr Rik Dawson said that this government’s willingness to pursue health care reform, despite the challenges of the current fiscal environment, is commendable.

‘We are pleased to see that, despite the challenging fiscal environment, the 2026-27 federal budget prioritises reforms across the health care sector,’ said Dr Dawson.

  • 04 Nov, 2026

Support at Home pricing framework

Submission by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

March 2026

  • 04 Nov, 2026

Fair Work Commission – Gender Undervaluation Priority Awards Review

Submission by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

March 2026

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South Australian Election 2026: Physiotherapy a smart investment for a more efficient health system

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling on candidates in the upcoming South Australian state election to ease pressure on the state’s strained health system through greater investment in preventative care. Released today, the APA’s South Australian election statement seeks to reduce ambulance ramping, emergency department visits and broader costs to the state health care system through a series of physiotherapy-focused policy recommendations.