• 20 Mar, 2025

Draft National Allied Health Workforce Strategy

Submission by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

March 2025

a physiotherapist assists an elderly patient with an arm exercise in a studio

Patients need faster, fairer care: APA calls for direct access to physiotherapy

Faster, fairer and more effective care must be on the election ballot this campaign season. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging political parties to prioritise healthcare reform that will deliver for the millions of Australians with musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. At the heart of the APA’s call is a critical reform: publicly funded First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP), which would provide direct access to physiotherapists for diagnosis and treatment when they need it and without needing a GP referral.

Yellow background with coins, books and a graduation hat stacked on top of each other

Research project to strengthen the case for First Contact Physiotherapy in primary care

The National Health and Medical Research Council has awarded the University of Sydney and their major support partner, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), a Partnership Grant for the PhysioDirect-Aus project. This research will explore the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of a publicly funded direct access physiotherapy pathway for musculoskeletal pain in Australia.

A physio taking an older person through some stretches

Patients are trapped in a failing system: The missing link for faster, fairer and more effective care

Millions of Australians are suffering needless pain, racking up preventable hospital visits because they cannot access timely physiotherapy. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for urgent reform ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, putting direct access to physiotherapy, new care pathways, and greater investment in prevention at the forefront of the healthcare conversation.

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.  

  • 20 Mar, 2025

APA WA election statement 2025

Statement by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

February 2025

  • 20 Mar, 2025

APA submission QLD medicines regulation amendment 2025

Submission by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

December 2024

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.

  • 20 Mar, 2025

Inquiry into Reproductive, Maternal and Paediatric Health Services in Tasmania

Submission by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

September 2024