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.

We again raised our serious concerns to the Minister that the program would threaten independent physiotherapy practices already well established in their local communities.

The APA will continue to advocate for changes to how physiotherapy services will be engaged by general practices to avoid creating unnecessary competition. Whilst this is far from resolved, our voice is being heard.

In further recognition of physiotherapy, the Minister agreed to facilitate a review of aspects of the Department’s Pilates Private Health Insurance (PHI) reform Circular.

Minister Hunt agreed that the Department of Health’s circular on PHI natural therapy reforms—which were intended to clarify the rules surrounding Pilates rebates—required further clarification.

Whilst the Minister was clear there would be no legislative change, he agreed the circular requires further clarity to facilitate a smooth transition to the new Rules.

Leader of the Greens attends National Advisory Council meeting

The APA’s National Advisory Council (NAC) today welcomed leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale, who outlined key advocacy strategies to advance the profession’s influence and position of leadership in the health sector. 
NAC members heard his views on the rural health workforce, NDIS reforms and Closing the Gap for First Australians’ health outcomes.   

We will keep you informed about progress on these important pieces of work.

For more information about the PHI natural therapy reform, please click here.