My interest began as a business owner. Technology improved communication, streamlined operations and supported more consistent care, creating a better experience for both patients and clinicians. 

My work has since focused on developing and evaluating digital health solutions that extend physiotherapy beyond traditional clinic walls. 

As the representative body for the physiotherapy profession, we at the APA are acutely aware that our decisions carry significant weight, not only for our members but for all Australian physiotherapists. 

It is for this reason that we don’t make decisions lightly or enact change on important issues that impact the profession without extensive consultation. 

Central to this process is hearing directly from our members to ensure that their perspectives are meaningfully reflected in the positions we adopt. 

Falls prevention access and funding is a key policy and government relations priority for the APA. 

Physiotherapy-led prevention reduces falls and fractures. It improves strength, balance, confidence and mobility, while enhancing a person’s participation and quality of life. 

It also reduces system costs through avoided hospitalisations and surgery. 

Here at the APA, it has been a busy and purposeful start to the year. 

Much of our collective energy has gone into preparing the APA 2026–27 federal pre-Budget submission, shaped by months of consultation, evidence review and conversations with members. 

Thanks to APA Strategy and Policy Specialist Bronwyn Darmanin for her leadership on the submission. 

When the APA announced Dr Cassandra Zaina FACP as a new director starting this year, it marked the culmination of a
longstanding commitment to service, leadership and advocacy within the profession.

Australia’s health system is under strain. Demand is rising, inequities are widening and costs continue to climb. 

Professor Trudy Rebbeck’s contribution spans nearly 40 years of musculoskeletal clinician practice, tertiary education and evidence-informed research. 

 This has been a huge year for the Policy and Government Relations team and for advocacy across the APA more broadly.