The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) recognises that while there are positives in the 2019-2020 Federal Budget, further investment into primary care, beyond general practice, is necessary to sustain the workforce and improve patient outcomes.

The APA welcomes the investment of an additional $6 billion in Medicare from $25 billion in 2018–19 to $31 billion in 2022–23 to respond to recommendations from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Taskforce.

John Contreras
APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

Melbourne-based APA Sports and Exericse Physiotherapist John Contreras believes PHI Pilates reform will help differentiate the profession’s expertise from other health and fitness professionals.

The APA supports the proposed Australian National – Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) report released by the Department of Health last week, which represents a major shift in approach to aged care management and funding.

However, we are disappointed with the lack of separate funding for allied health services, restorative care and pain management, and will be using our seat at the consultation table to advocate for this to be addressed.

Craig Phillips
APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

Melbourne-based sports physiotherapist and Pilates expert Craig Phillips says PHI natural therapy reforms will have little impact on practices treating patients with chronic long-term conditions.

Rachel Combe, APAM
Director at Physio Pilates Proactive
APA Physiotherapy Business group member

Physio Pilates Proactive Director Rachel Combe, APAM, says rebates will not be available for preventative Pilates sessions including 50-60 weekly mat classes and reformer classes at her three practices from 1 April. 

'The majority of the clients have been supportive of us as a small business. They say: "We will keep coming".'

Jennifer Guest, APAM
APA SA Branch Council Member
Ex-president: Pilates Alliance of Australiasia  

South Australian-based physiotherapist and former president of the Pilates Alliance of Australasia, Jennifer Guest, says she is fighting for the physio brand. Jennifer says she is well prepared for the changes to PHI rules – after 18 years’ involvement in Pilates.

Over the past two days the APA has met with key political figures to discuss our concerns impacting the physiotherapy profession.

APA meeting with Minister for Health

Following successful APA advocacy in Canberra yesterday, the Minister for Health Hon Greg Hunt enacted an immediate review of some aspects of the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP). Changes to the WIP, announced in the 2018-19 Federal Budget, include directly funding GP’s in rural areas to employ physiotherapists.

The APA congratulates the physiotherapists recognised for their outstanding contributions to the profession in the 2019 Australia Day Honours awards over the weekend.

APA National President Phil Calvert said “More than 1000 Australians received honours across a variety of endeavours this year. I’m delighted that amongst this esteemed group we have five very worthy physios who have been singled out for their exceptional work across research, clinical practice and education. These physios have the respect and sincere congratulations of our profession.”

Holly Brasher, APAM
Sydney-based sports physiotherapist

Sydney-based sports physiotherapist and Square One Director Holly Brasher says the PHI natural therapy reform will improve Pilates-informed physiotherapy through a renewed focus on assessment, monitoring and outcome measures. While she won’t be changing how her classes are run, she has reviewed her practice processes. And it’s all for the better, she says.