The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) cautiously welcomes the reform-focused sentiment of the 2026-27 Federal budget tonight and a positive announcement for veterans’ health.

APA National President Dr Rik Dawson said that this government’s willingness to pursue health care reform, despite the challenges of the current fiscal environment, is commendable.

‘We are pleased to see that, despite the challenging fiscal environment, the 2026-27 federal budget prioritises reforms across the health care sector,’ said Dr Dawson.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has released its recent submission to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, calling for reforms to Medicare which remedy the Scheme’s failure to provide equitable access to physiotherapy in rural, regional and remote communities. 

Yesterday, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing Mark Butler spoke before the National Press Club, announcing the Federal Government’s plans for significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the coming year.  

Ahead of the 2026-27 Federal budget, The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has released its pre-budget submission, calling on the Federal government to enact changes which increase the role of physiotherapy across the health system.

Australia’s health system remains overburdened, and physiotherapy offers evidence-based, cost-effective interventions that are ready to help the government deliver on its reform ambitions by strengthening care, improving outcomes and delivering greater value.

One in three women in Australia view their birth as traumatic, with an estimated 100,000 people impacted by both physical and psychological birth-related trauma each year.  

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has welcomed the Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report and commended the Allan Government for its historic Inquiry into Women’s Pain, informed by more than 13,000 women, girls and carers who shared their lived experience of dismissal, delayed diagnosis and barriers to care.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes this week’s report from the Senate Community Affairs References Committee on Aged Care Service Delivery. The report provides significant recommendations on how to improve the quality and availability of care for older Australians.

The APA is particularly pleased by the inclusion of several recommendations, including: