The Australian healthcare system is among the strongest in the world, underpinned by Medicare, which ensures that most Australians have access to essential medical services. 

This universal healthcare framework supports equitable health outcomes and reflects the nation’s commitment to high standards of care through world-class hospitals, a skilled workforce and advancements in medical research. 

Physiotherapy plays a critical role within this system, offering evidence-based treatments that enhance recovery, manage chronic conditions and improve quality of life. 

Despite these strengths, access to physiotherapy is not equal for all Australians. Financial barriers and geographic isolation leave many unable to receive the care they need. 

While Medicare subsidises some physiotherapy services, particularly through chronic disease management plans, the coverage is limited. 

Many individuals face significant out-of-pocket expenses in the private sector, discouraging them from seeking timely care and often leading to worsened health outcomes. 

Geographic disparities further compound inequities. 

Australians living in rural and remote areas frequently encounter challenges such as limited local services, inadequate public transport and workforce shortages in allied health. 

First Nations Australians, many residing in remote communities, are disproportionately affected. 

They experience poorer health outcomes and a higher burden of disease due to restricted access to healthcare services, including physiotherapy. 

Addressing these inequities requires targeted strategies to improve healthcare delivery in these regions. 

As the newly elected president of the APA, I am committed to addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access. Learning from and engaging with First Nations Australians is a vital part of this process. 

In November 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Broome and the Kimberley with our new CEO, Rob LoPresti, and the APA Board. 

During this visit, we engaged with local physiotherapists, health service managers and the Yawuru and Bardi First Nations communities to better understand the unique cultural and systemic challenges they face. 

This experience provided valuable insights into developing effective and culturally appropriate solutions.

The APA is developing a new strategic plan that will focus on improving health equity in Australia. 

Current priorities include advocating for broader Medicare coverage for physiotherapy to reduce financial barriers, introducing Medicare rebates for imaging and implementing recommendations from Professor Mark Cormack’s final report of the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce—Scope of Practice Review. 

These recommendations aim to improve healthcare efficiencies and enhance patient outcomes. Addressing workforce shortages in rural and remote areas remains critical. 

The APA will continue to support initiatives like conference scholarships and to advocate for government funding to provide physiotherapy students with financial support for clinical placements. 

Expanding telehealth services is also a vital strategy to bridge gaps in care for remote communities. 

Collaborating with First Nations leaders to co-design culturally safe and accessible physiotherapy services is a top priority to ensure equitable access for all Australians. 

As we move into an election, the APA’s advocacy efforts are focused on raising awareness about physiotherapy’s role in preventing and managing health conditions, particularly in underserved populations. 

Continued collaboration with other leading health organisations will be instrumental in successfully implementing this new strategy. 

Australia’s healthcare system has much to be proud of but its strengths must be leveraged to address existing inequities.

As APA National President, I am committed to advocating for a fairer system where every Australian—regardless of financial status, location or cultural background—has access to high quality physiotherapy. Together, we can build a future where health equity becomes a reality for all. 

>>Rik Dawson APAM MACP
APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist
APA National President