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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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  

New data shows nearly 50 per cent of Australians in their prime earning years living with chronic pain are unable to work¹, with almost 30 per cent of those returning to work only capable of working at a reduced capacity.¹

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging all candidates in the upcoming 2024 Queensland election to prioritise investment in physiotherapy. In an election statement released today, the APA evidences the value that physiotherapy can deliver to the state and to the healthcare outcomes of all Queenslanders.  

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) proudly supports NAIDOC Week 2024, honouring this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud”. The theme is an invitation and reminder for all Australians to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is extremely disappointed to see the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) price limits for physiotherapy supports remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive year, disregarding the pressures of rising operational costs, and leaving providers to make difficult decisions around the viability of their practices.