It’s been just over a month since Dr Rik Dawson MACP stepped into his two-year term as National President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), and he has hit the ground running.

A titled gerontological physiotherapist, researcher, yoga instructor, and even a trained opera singer, Dr Dawson brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and leadership to the helm of Australia’s peak physiotherapy body. But beyond the titles and accolades, he’s someone who has spent his career championing the potential of physiotherapy to transform lives—particularly for older Australians.

For over 25 years, Dr Dawson has worked on the frontline of healthcare, from leading Agewell Physiotherapy to shaping policy in the aged care sector. Recognising in 2000 the lack of physiotherapy services in smaller communities, Dr Dawson initiated fly-in fly-out services to develop aged care physiotherapy practices in regional and remote areas and reduce access barriers for patients.  

Joining the APA New South Wales Gerontology committee in 2007 and the APA Board of Directors in 2017, Dr Dawson’s desire to support the APA’s advocacy journey has been evident for many years. That same conviction about addressing access barriers, especially in remote and regional areas, continues to drive him as he begins to advocate on a new, national front, for all patients and physiotherapists alike.  

More recently, his research at the University of Sydney’s Institute for Musculoskeletal Health has focused on the cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions—including exercise and telehealth—to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent falls. Dr Dawson kicked off his research during the pandemic, fully supported by his physiotherapist wife and children throughout, and finally graduated at the end of 2024.  

Now, as APA National President, Dr Dawson is determined to push for the full breadth of changes the profession and all patients need. His vision? A more connected healthcare system where physiotherapy is seamlessly integrated across public and private services, helping all Australians access the care they need—when and where they need it.  

Dr Dawson steps into the presidency at a critical moment for healthcare reform, with the APA calling for stronger investment in physiotherapy to improve patient outcomes and ease pressure on GPs and hospital emergency departments. Over the next two years, he will champion:

• Healthcare reform that works – Advocating for funding models that combine fee-for-service with innovative blended and bundled care, ensuring physiotherapists can operate at full scope across the system.
• Removing red tape on the patient journey – Pushing for key reforms, including direct referral and imaging rights for physiotherapists, to help streamline patient care by reducing wait times and high costs for patients.
• Stronger partnerships – Collaborating with government, healthcare bodies, and like organisations to develop community-based programs, promoting key initiatives that truly help people lead healthy lives and get back to doing what they love.
• A digital future – Driving the integration of allied health into Australia’s digital healthcare landscape, ensuring physiotherapists play a central role in the evolving system.
• Mentoring the next generation – Cultivating leadership within the APA, supporting the future of the profession.

‘Physiotherapy is one of the most underutilised resources in our healthcare system, yet it has the potential to keep Australians healthier, out of hospitals, and living their best, healthy lives,’ Dr Dawson said.  

‘This is an opportunity to change that—to make physiotherapy an essential pillar of our healthcare system and ensure better, faster, and more affordable access to care for all Australians.’

‘I’m incredibly grateful to lead the APA and follow on from immediate past president and Palawa man Scott Willis who was second to none in every arena he set foot in. We are extremely thankful for Scott’s leadership during the four years he was at the helm, particularly at the height of an unprecedented pandemic, and I look forward to continuing his efforts throughout my term,’ Dr Dawson said.

The APA looks forward to an exciting two years under Dr Dawson’s leadership, as he works to elevate physiotherapy’s role in shaping the future of healthcare.