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.

One in three women in Australia view their birth as traumatic, with an estimated 100,000 people impacted by both physical and psychological birth-related trauma each year.  

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has welcomed the Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report and commended the Allan Government for its historic Inquiry into Women’s Pain, informed by more than 13,000 women, girls and carers who shared their lived experience of dismissal, delayed diagnosis and barriers to care.

The NSW government announced a menopause virtual health hub last week which will enable women to access flexible, complex care from highly trained professionals such as physiotherapists.  

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is thrilled to see investment in the complex care required to manage women's health conditions and calls on the rest of Australia to follow suit.

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.