I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone as we settle back into working life and embark on a new year. 

For the first issue of InMotion of 2025, I thought readers may appreciate a look into the APA’s strategic thinking for the year ahead. We stand at an exciting juncture because we are currently developing a new strategic plan. 

This past December, we began the process when our executive and senior leadership team, guided by the expertise of consultant strategist Andrew Hollo—who has previously worked with organisations such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Institute of Company Directors—convened for a two-day strategic planning session. 

Another of these sessions will take place in February 2025 with the APA Board of Directors. 

The voices of our members have always been instrumental in shaping the direction of the organisation. 

The insights gathered from our 2024 membership survey, which received 1300 responses, are a key driver shaping our next strategic plan. Prior membership surveys have influenced other key initiatives. 

Chief among these is PhysioHub, our fantastic new member engagement platform. 

This exciting application, which will be arriving in early 2025, is designed to foster a vibrant online community where physiotherapists can connect, collaborate and learn from each other. 

Our members will also see iterative improvements in a number of frequently used systems, including a more integrative and seamless experience between our learning management system and our customer relationship system. 

We will revitalise our Level 1 and 2 courses—beginning with the musculoskeletal and sports and exercise programs—and will aim to bring greater clarity and awareness to the role these courses play in the career pathway and titling process. 

We aim to improve our hybrid delivery model; online modules need to be contemporary and engaging so that they complement face-to-face components. 

This will help to ensure that our rural and remote physiotherapists, in particular, receive a range of interesting content. 

Our commitment to improving our educational offerings includes a plan to deliver more accessible, bite-sized content as a free part of membership benefits. 

Additionally, within our specialist program, we are on the journey towards attaining accreditation with the Australian College of Physiotherapists. 

One project we are particularly excited about is the pilot study that we will be trialling in early 2025 as part of our research stream for the specialist programs. 

As we look to the future, we are aware of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence within the APA and the profession more broadly. 

At the front of our minds as an organisation are questions such as: how might new technology augment delivery of care, influence administration efficiencies and affect how physios go about their work on a day-to-day basis? 

Therefore, we are looking to engage members who are already utilising AI and leading in this space. 

To understand the evolving needs of our profession, we are preparing to release a comprehensive white paper examining the expectations and goals of the next generation of physiotherapists. 

This research will inform how we adapt our services and meet the changing dynamics of our field. 

Our advocacy agenda remains steadfast. 

The recent Scope of Practice Review presents a great opportunity to position physiotherapy as a clinical leader. We’re committed to helping physiotherapists work at the top of their scope and engage in leading models of care. 

We want physiotherapists to thrive in their practice, be lifelong learners and reach their full potential. 

Our vision includes providing equitable access to physiotherapy for the public, supported by initiatives like our publicly funded first contact physiotherapy program. 

As we develop our next strategic plan, a key focus will be on the core mainstays of our organisation: advocacy, education and member services. 

We are looking forward to diving into the process and sharing more a bout the outcomes in 2025. 

Rob LoPresti 

APA Chief Executive Officer