Ahead of the 2026-27 Federal budget, The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has released its pre-budget submission, calling on the Federal government to enact changes which increase the role of physiotherapy across the health system.

Australia’s health system remains overburdened, and physiotherapy offers evidence-based, cost-effective interventions that are ready to help the government deliver on its reform ambitions by strengthening care, improving outcomes and delivering greater value.

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.  

In a flash poll conducted by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), over 90 per cent of physiotherapists said they have treated patients suffering after unnecessary and potentially harmful surgeries. This comes following a confronting exposé of Australia’s chronic pain industry on ABC Four Corners, which highlighted potential overuse of surgical procedures, despite physiotherapy treatment being considered part of best practice.

February 2024

In marking the 40th anniversary of Medicare, health leaders have cautioned that determined reform efforts are vital for ensuring Australia’s health system can meet current and future pressures including climate change and an ageing population.

The big 4-0 has well and truly hit Medicare and it’s not all about blowing out the candles on the cake. The Australian Physiotherapy Association’s (APA) 2024-25 Pre-Budget submission demands reform that can give Australians a health system that is getting better with age.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) endorses the vision for improving primary care as outlined in the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report and now eagerly expects the Government to deliver on this reform.

The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce has delivered a vision for improving primary care, and there is now an expectation the Albanese Government will deliver on this.