Image of cliffs along the Kimberley Coast, Western Australia

Investing in physiotherapy: A roadmap for a healthier Western Australia

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling on all candidates for the 2025 Western Australian election to commit to strengthening the healthcare system by prioritising physiotherapy-led models of care.  

The APA's new president, Rik Dawson

One month in: Get to know the new face behind the APA presidency

It’s been just over a month since Dr Rik Dawson MACP stepped into his two-year term as National President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), and he has hit the ground running.

Group of people in Stride4Stroke athletic shirts raising first in air victoriously.

From awareness to action: How Australians can support recovery after stroke this November

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest health challenges, with over 440,000 Australians living with its impacts today. In 2023 alone, nearly 46,000 Australians experienced a stroke—that’s one every 11 minutes. With stroke rates rising among younger Australians, the need for awareness and strong support systems has never been greater.

Blue background text reads Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review

Reform starts here: APA welcomes the final report of the Scope of Practice Review and its potential to transform primary care

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the final report of the Scope of Practice Review, Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce, which outlines robust solutions to overcoming barriers limiting high-value care across settings.

Veterans' healthcare is suffering and we need your help!

APA calls for immediate government action to meet veterans’ healthcare needs

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for immediate government action to improve veterans' access to physiotherapy services, following the release of new data from its latest member survey and the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

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Key to healthier communities in the ACT is investment in physiotherapy

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling on candidates in the upcoming 2024 Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Election to prioritise physiotherapy as a critical part of healthcare reform. With almost half of all adults in the ACT (48.7 per cent) living with chronic conditions, such as back pain and arthritis∗, timely access to physiotherapy can significantly reduce the burden on hospitals and improve the health outcomes of individuals and communities.

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Statement on the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) acknowledges the critical work of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and welcomes the 122 recommendations outlined in the final report, which are essential to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Australia's veterans.

Child in wheelchair with their carer pushing them along a footpath. Both are smiling

Third of physiotherapists consider exiting NDIS due to untenable pricing

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is warning of an imminent exodus of physiotherapists from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), driven by unsustainable pricing and a lack of necessary government reform. A recent APA member survey showed 31 per cent of physiotherapists are considering ceasing to provide therapy support to NDIS participants, reducing vital access to critical care for many of Australia’s most vulnerable people.

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Investment in culturally safe physiotherapy for First Nations people critical in NT election

Recent data by the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Health shows that Territorians are living longer but are sicker, amplifying the importance of the upcoming election on 24 August as a clear opportunity for candidates to prioritise the health outcomes for Territorians.

Older trades person in fluro vest sitting on a worksite and holding his wrist as if in pain

New data reveals tradies are hammered by pain and concerned for long-term health amidst trade shortage

Nine in ten tradies experienced a work-related injury in the past year and one in two say they live with severe pain. The new data released ahead of Tradies National Health Month shows the backbone of Australia’s workforce is suffering as productivity pressures mount.

One in every ten Australian workers are a tradiei, and one in four of them fear they will need to retire early because of stress on their bodies.ii