Workplace conflict is something every employer will face and how it’s handled can greatly affect productivity, employee satisfaction and the overall work environment. 

Conflict arises from differing attitudes, opinions, approaches or perspectives on a situation, issue or person. 

The APA recently hosted its second Industry Leader Group meeting in Melbourne, bringing together diverse insights from various sectors, including hospitals, community care, multidisciplinary practices, large corporations, occupational health, aged care and primary health, with representation from across Australia.

Strategically, we wanted to expand our advisory lens and ensure that we are authentically representing a broad spectrum of professional visions.

The day was intense as we delved into the topical issues that face our profession in Australia and beyond.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to attend my first large APA event as CEO—the Victorian Branch Winter Breakfast.

We had more than 250 attendees and it proved to be a wonderful event on a number of levels.

It was a great pleasure to reconnect with so many physiotherapists that I had not seen for some time—friends, former colleagues and many others who had taught me or with whom I attended university.

The opportunity to catch up and to hear their stories was energising, both personally and professionally.

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia exists to protect the public and to support physiotherapists to provide safe healthcare.

Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2008) Dr Melissa Locke FACP describes her near-40-year career as nothing short of extraordinary.

When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, life became more difficult for many of its citizens.

One such person was physiotherapist Fahima Mohammadi from Kabul.

‘I graduated as a physiotherapist in 2013 and worked in private hospitals and for some NGOs like the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee and the International Rescue Committee,’ says Fahima.

I am deeply honoured to be named President Elect of the APA.

This is a recently created position, to be appointed by the APA Board in the final year of the current National President’s term.

The role enables a smooth transition of leadership and continuity of the vision and key responsibilities of the APA National President.

As co-Vice President of the APA, I have had the privilege of witnessing National President Scott Willis advocate tirelessly for the profession.

People living with dementia can benefit greatly from participating in physiotherapy but there are a number of barriers to their accessing care.

The LGBTQIA+ community makes up over 10 per cent of the Australian population. 

Among 16–24-year-olds, it could be up to 20 per cent. 

This means that a large proportion of our clients, students, colleagues and employees may be LGBTQIA+.