The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Labor’s re-election and looks forward to continuing our working relationship to deliver fairer, timely and more effective healthcare for Australians.  

APA National President Dr Rik Dawson MACP urges the second term Albanese Government to prioritise providing big solutions to the big problems currently ailing the Australian healthcare system.  

‘During their first term, the Albanese Government took essential steps towards transforming our struggling healthcare system. By commissioning the Scope of Practice Review, which focused on ‘unleashing the potential of our health workforce,’ this government made clear that they are ready to deliver critical reforms to the healthcare system.’

‘In their second term, we look forward to working with the Albanese government to implement the changes recommended in the Scope of Practice Review’s final report,’ Dr Dawson says.

‘It is more urgent than ever for this government to prioritise major reform to help the countless Australians continuing to suffer in pain, all while facing the many barriers to access the care they need when they need it.’

This includes publicly funded First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP). FCP would provide Australians suffering from conditions such as musculoskeletal and chronic pain with direct access to physiotherapists for diagnosis and treatment when they need it and without needing a GP referral for publicly funded access.’  

‘By funding First Contact Physiotherapy through Medicare, we can free up more GP appointments, cut down on wait times and hospital admissions and save millions in healthcare costs.’  

‘Now is the time to implement the solutions our healthcare system needs and give Australians the care they deserve,’ Dr Dawson says.  

The APA’s official Federal Election Statement is available on our website.  

Dr Rik Dawson is available for further comment.