Physiotherapy in Australia is growing rapidly, both in numbers and in the breadth of what our profession contributes to Australians’ health. 

As of March 2026, Australia has more than 50,000 registered physiotherapists, while the APA represents close to 37,000. 

We are approaching the size of the psychology profession and are on track to become Australia’s third-largest regulated health profession. 

To borrow a line from Uncle Ben in Spider-Man, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ 

As our profession grows in size and influence, so does our responsibility to ensure that growth translates into better care, stronger evidence and a health system that makes the best use of physiotherapy. 

Our scope continues to evolve. Physiotherapists are increasingly contributing to cancer care, mental health, prehabilitation, chronic disease and complex multidisciplinary care. 

These areas reinforce something we have long understood – physical and mental health cannot be considered in isolation. 

Mental health is a good example. 

Physiotherapists frequently care for people experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, persistent pain and psychological distress alongside physical health conditions. 

Exercise and physical activity are important components of care but our contribution extends beyond prescribing exercise. 

Emerging competency frameworks encompass biopsychosocial assessment, psychologically informed practice, trauma-informed care, therapeutic communication, risk recognition and appropriate referral. 

Similar opportunities are emerging in cancer care. 

As evidence for exercise, rehabilitation and prehabilitation grows, so does the opportunity for physiotherapists to contribute across the cancer journey. 

As president, I am regularly asked by government officials and other stakeholders: what is the role of physiotherapy in these emerging areas? 

Where does our scope begin and end? 

How should physiotherapists work alongside exercise physiologists, psychologists, medical practitioners and other health professionals? 

I cannot answer those questions alone. 

One of the APA’s great strengths is the expertise within our membership, including our National Advisory Council (NAC). 

NAC brings together branch presidents, national group chairs, the Australian College of Physiotherapists and representatives from across our profession to advise the Board on important and emerging issues. 

While writing this First Word, I reached out to Germaine Tan MACP, chair of the Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema national group, and Tracey Clark APAM, chair of the Mental Health national group. 

Their expertise, and that of the members they represent, helps ensure our advocacy is grounded in contemporary evidence and clinical practice. 

As our scope expands, the APA will increasingly need to provide guidance on emerging practice, from clinical guidelines and consensus statements to advanced practice and professional education. 

NAC plays an important advisory role, bringing diverse clinical perspectives to the APA Board and staff. Our NAC and Board will be together at FOCUS26 in Cairns discussing emerging issues facing our profession. 

If you see one of us, come and have a chat. Ask about our journey through APA leadership and governance, but more importantly, tell us where you think physiotherapy needs to go next. 

I also thank those NAC members completing their leadership terms this year. 

I hope their journey from volunteer to committee member and national leader has enriched their careers as much as their contribution has enriched our profession and my leadership. 

As physiotherapy grows, so does our opportunity to influence Australian healthcare. 

We need the next generation of leaders to step forward and ensure that growth translates into better care, stronger evidence and better health outcomes for all Australians. 

Rik Dawson APAM MACP
APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist
APA National President