As physiotherapists, we are trained to assess, diagnose, manage and refer people to other disciplines to ensure patients receive the best possible care.

Current work through the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and the broader scope of practice reform agenda reflects growing recognition that physiotherapists can safely and effectively work to an expanded scope.

In many parts of Australia, particularly rural and remote communities, physiotherapists are already functioning as primary contact practitioners.

Physiotherapy can provide high-value pain management focused on movement, function and long-term independence.

However, parts of the healthcare system still incentivise lowvalue pain management approaches, including over-reliance on passive modalities, unnecessary imaging and medicationcentred care that does little to improve long-term outcomes.

For me, concerns about low-value pain management became particularly clear during the development of the former Aged Care Funding Instrument in residential aged care.

Physiotherapy funding became heavily tied to low-value pain management interventions such as massage and TENS rather than evidence-based exercise, restorative care and mobilityfocused rehabilitation.

This made me increasingly concerned that funding models were unintentionally incentivising passive care over interventions that genuinely improve independence, mobility and quality of life for older Australians.

Over the past decade, the profession has consistently advocated for reform.

The APA has argued strongly for funding models that recognise physiotherapy as an essential component of preventive health, chronic disease management and multidisciplinary care.

One of the most significant recent developments was the federal government’s announcement of increased allied health rebates for veterans, commencing 1 July 2027.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs physiotherapy rebates will increase from $75.10 to approximately $110 per consultation.

This reflects years of advocacy highlighting the fact that existing rebates are no longer sustainable, with physiotherapists reducing or withdrawing services to veterans because they simply could not continue delivering high-quality care under outdated funding arrangements.

The new rate aligns closely with findings from the recent independent Nous Group report commissioned by the APA, which identified approximately $261 per hour as a sustainable benchmark rate for physiotherapy service delivery in Australia.

Healthcare systems globally are moving toward greater accountability and evidence-based allocation of resources.

We are already seeing this in Australia.

The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, for example, highlighted the need for multidisciplinary team-based care, prevention and enabling health professionals to work to full scope of practice.

Support at Home funding is capped based on assessed need and the NDIS continues to undergo pricing and budget reform.

The physiotherapy profession is well positioned to thrive in this environment precisely because physiotherapists are trained to integrate research evidence, clinical expertise and patient-centred care into decision-making.

We understand the importance of measuring outcomes and justifying interventions.

Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability in Australia.

Yet many healthcare models remain reactive rather than preventive.

Treatment focuses on symptom suppression rather than functional recovery.

Physiotherapy emphasises movement, education, self-management and long-term functional improvement.

It encourages active participation rather than passive dependency.

As we move toward 2030, the challenge will be continuing to articulate this value.

When physiotherapy is funded appropriately and integrated effectively, patients, health systems and communities benefit.

People living with pain regain movement, confidence and quality of life.

Rik Dawson APAM MACP
APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist
APA National President