The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has written to the major parties ahead of this month’s Victorian state election with a solutions paper that outlines the potential of physiotherapists to alleviate pressure on the health system, and better support Victorians managing long COVID.

APA President Scott Willis says long wait times, fragmented services and affordability factors significantly impact access to essential care for a number of high-priority groups within the state.

The first Federal Budget delivered this week by the Labor Government puts the right economic outcome above a political one and sets Australia back on a path to reforming the health system.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) represents a key workforce of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) service providers and welcomes the priority the new government is placing on representation and reform of the scheme, to restore it to its founding promise: choice and control for participants.

Faster treatment, better outcomes and lower costs are required to meet Australia’s current and future healthcare needs, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has outlined the contribution physiotherapy can make towards these ends in a landmark document released today.

The Jobs and Skills Summit can be a turning point for Australia’s health workforce if the policy lens is widened beyond GP numbers, and a coordinated national plan is developed to address broader skills shortages says the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

At the height of an aged care workforce crisis, the sector is facing further pressures from diminishing allied health staff, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has told a Senate hearing on the Government’s Aged Care Amendment Bill.

“We’re hearing reports from a major provider that up to 50 per cent of physiotherapists will be let go, meaning 50 per cent less physiotherapy within residential aged care,” APA President Scott Willis told the hearing on Thursday.

The Federal Government’s Aged Care Amendment Bill is a welcome first step in over-due sector reform, but more is required to meet the complex healthcare needs of older people.