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) 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.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is thrilled to announce substantial updates to the WorkCover Queensland (WCQ) Allied Health Services Table of Costs for the 2024-2025 financial year, including a notable 4.1% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and the introduction of a new tier for physiotherapy services that are provided by specialist physiotherapists as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

A new report from Nous Group revealed that allowing physiotherapists to make direct referrals could save the Australian healthcare system and patients an astounding $162.7 million annually. This new evidence supports the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) in their work advocating for a transformative policy change that would significantly improve the patient referral process.

The proposed changes include:

Investing in women's health is not just a matter of fairness—it is a critical driver of societal and economic wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that when women’s health needs are met, societies prosper. At this week’s Senate Inquiry into Issues Related to Perimenopause and Menopause, policymakers were asked not to shy away from addressing the most debilitating symptoms of menopause amidst growing public awareness of its impact on women’s lives.  

The APA and Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) applaud the NSW Select Committee on Birth Trauma report on its recommendation for physiotherapy to treat birth injuries. The report recognises the multifaceted impact of birth trauma and the critical importance of pelvic health physiotherapy for birthing parents in antenatal care.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has today released the comprehensive findings of its inaugural Workforce Census, unlocking key information that will inform meaningful reform across the gender pay gap, rural health disparities, and the broader skills shortage within the sector.

May 2024

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