It’s been just over a month since Dr Rik Dawson MACP stepped into his two-year term as National President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), and he has hit the ground running.

This week, the Queensland Government announced a pause on access to stage one and stage two hormone therapies for new patients under 18 in the state’s public health system. The decision has raised alarm among healthcare professionals, including the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, who warn that it will place already vulnerable young people at greater risk.

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest health challenges, with over 440,000 Australians living with its impacts today. In 2023 alone, nearly 46,000 Australians experienced a stroke—that’s one every 11 minutes. With stroke rates rising among younger Australians, the need for awareness and strong support systems has never been greater.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the final report of the Scope of Practice Review, Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce, which outlines robust solutions to overcoming barriers limiting high-value care across settings.