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.

As Tradies National Health Month 2025 begins, the APA urges Australia’s tradies to seek the care they need to prevent injuries and treat chronic pain.  

Evidence shows that many of Australia’s existing tradies live in chronic pain, negatively impacting their quality of life, job performance and work longevity, potentially exacerbating Australia’s housing and tradespeople shortages.  

Last week, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released new best practice guidelines to prevent falls in older people. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the guidelines which highlight the irrefutable importance of physiotherapy-led exercise plans in falls prevention.  

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.

This week, the Queensland Government announced a pause on access to stage one and stage two hormone therapies for new patients under 18 in the state’s public health system. The decision has raised alarm among healthcare professionals, including the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, who warn that it will place already vulnerable young people at greater risk.