Bridget Shaw MACP AM has spent more than 40 years in physiotherapy – across hospitals, education, research, advocacy and service development – as the profession’s role in public health, clinical training and advanced practice has expanded. 

A significant wave of reform is shaping Australian workplaces over 2026–27. 

Four key developments are: 

I arrive at the mission hospital on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, relieved. I survived the morning traffic once again. My first patient is from the countryside. 

They seem uncomfortable with me – the foreigner. I ask a question and the patient’s daughter starts laughing. Apparently, I mixed up the word for ‘nausea’ with ‘crazy’. 

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia plays a central role in protecting the public by setting standards, codes and guidelines for practice and by responding to notifications and conduct concerns. 

In any workplace, occasional lateness or absence is normal. However, ongoing or patterned absenteeism can disrupt operations, affect productivity, place pressure on other team members and lower morale. 

At the same time, not every absence is misconduct, so absenteeism should be managed with a balanced and procedurally fair approach.

The 2026–27 federal Budget presented an opportunity to strengthen primary care, reduce hospital demand and deliver clear economic and social value – priorities that sit at the heart of the APA’s ongoing advocacy work.

For many Australians, accessing a publicly funded physiotherapist requires waiting until they enter hospital.

The APA has long argued that this system disadvantages not only patients, but also the economy.

What is the purpose of the symposium? 

‘Excellence Down Under Symposium 2026’ was created to bring together some of the leading minds in pelvic health physiotherapy to bridge the gap between research and real-world clinical practice. 

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.

In July, our Deputy CEO Craig Maltman will retire after 14 remarkable years at the APA. Over that time, Craig has served in several pivotal roles: General Manager of Corporate Services, Company Secretary and Deputy CEO. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank him for everything he has contributed to this organisation and to the physiotherapy profession and to acknowledge what a privilege it has been to have him as a colleague. 

Craig is an exceptional leader.