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 21 November 2025 at 5.00 pm AEDT.
At the close of nominations on Friday 13 October 2025, there were six (6) nominations for the two (2) vacant positions on the APA Board. Accordingly, an election by ballot is to be conducted.
Before casting your vote please read each candidate's supporting statements, listed below.
The nominees are, in alphabetical order:
Nominees
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As per the APA’s Election Policy, candidates may undertake election campaigning after nominations have closed and the APA has published the list of election candidates.
As a voter, you may be contacted by one or more of the nominees, in support of their nomination.
The Board actively support and endorse current Director, Melissa McConaghy, for another term.
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, 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 to Vote
After considering the candidates supporting statements, please rank all six candidates from one to six using the online ballot—with one being your first choice. You must number all boxes for your vote to be valid.
Voting is now open and closes Friday 21 November 2025 at 5.00 pm AEDT.
About the positions
The roles will commence on 1 January 2026 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.
If you have any queries about the voting process, please contact Melanie Sherrin, Company Secretary and General Counsel on 0412 219 018 or via returning.officer@australian.physio