What prompted the REFORM trial and why was it important to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of remotely delivered physiotherapy? 

As physiotherapists, we’ve long championed the value we bring to Australia’s health system. From early intervention in childhood development to pain management in working-age adults or falls prevention and reablement in older Australians, our reach is broad, our evidence strong and our outcomes tangible. 

But value alone is no longer enough. 

When Dr Ruth Hardman MACP talks about her career it is with a kind of humility that belies her impact. 

In regional Australia, especially in rural and remote communities, disparities in access to healthcare lead to health challenges and health inequity. 

Our new strategic plan identifies key priorities that will guide our work as the peak body representing 45,000 physiotherapists across Australia. 

As physiotherapists, we are often asked about pain, what causes it, how best to manage it and why so many people continue to suffer despite advances in care. 

Pain is one of Australia’s most pressing health challenges, affecting one in five adults and costing the economy an estimated $139 billion annually. 

A pioneer in the field of pelvic health physiotherapy in Australia, Dr Judith Thompson has been a force in physiotherapy across continents and disciplines for nearly 45 years. 

From early ambitions formed in the UK to her recent efforts supporting women’s health in the Himalayas, Dr Judith Thompson's legacy is one of innovation, empathy and dedication. 

Judith FACP is best known today for her leadership in continence and pelvic health physiotherapy but her journey into this specialised field began with a pivot that many working parents will relate to. 

I am excited to be developing the APA’s next strategic plan so early in my tenure. In my view, strategic development is as much about the process as it is about the outcome. 

The pathway to our 2025 strategic plan has relied on diverse voices both within and beyond our organisation, encompassing feedback from our staff, board members, membership base and key stakeholders.