Millions of Australians are suffering needless pain, racking up preventable hospital visits because they cannot access timely physiotherapy. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for urgent reform ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, putting direct access to physiotherapy, new care pathways, and greater investment in prevention at the forefront of the healthcare conversation.

APA National President, Dr Rik Dawson MACP, says patients are being trapped in a failing system, forced to wait for specialist referrals and expensive surgeries, when proven and effective physiotherapy solutions could prevent deterioration and improve lives.

‘We need more than a band aid fix to our broken system that is currently failing patients. Australians are suffering in pain, waiting in long queues for unnecessary treatment. Physiotherapists have the expertise to intervene early, prevent avoidable surgeries, and keep people out of hospitals—yet we remain locked out of the system. This must change,’ Dr Dawson says.

‘Any measure that reduces barriers and addresses out-of-pocket costs for patients is one we support, however the Medicare funding boost announced this week places pressure on an already depleted GP workforce and fails to empower multidisciplinary team-based care as advised in the government’s own scope of practice review.’  

‘After years of 'listening' and 'reviewing,' this $8.5 billion pledge results from an extremely narrow reform lens. A lens that ignores so many of the complex challenges of the Australian healthcare system and neglects the reform that physiotherapy can deliver to a health system in desperate need of real change.’

What’s at stake: A broken system that fails patients

Patients are forced to wait months for care. Delayed or incumbered access to physiotherapy leads to worsening conditions, increased disability, and avoidable reliance on opioids or surgery.

• Unnecessary surgeries are costing us billions: Structured physiotherapy programs could prevent up to 90 per cent of knee osteoarthritis surgeries¹, saving the system over $100 million annually².
• Overloaded hospitals and GPs: Physiotherapists could reduce GP workloads, ease emergency department pressures, and prevent hospital admissions, but outdated policies block patient access.

The APA’s plan: A stronger, patient-first healthcare system

The APA’s Federal Election Statement outlines three urgent reforms that will transform patient care and reduce system-wide costs:

1. Direct access to physiotherapy – Faster care, fewer barriers

Patients should not have to wait for a GP referral to access evidence-based physiotherapy treatment. The APA is calling for funded direct access to physiotherapists, allowing them to:

• Assess and treat patients immediately
• Refer directly for imaging and specialist care to remove red tape  
• Reduce unnecessary GP appointments and delays.

2. New musculoskeletal care pathways – Less surgery, more recovery

Musculoskeletal conditions cost Australians $15.9 billion annually³—the third highest spend behind cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Physiotherapy-led pathways for back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation can:

• Reduce over-reliance on surgery and opioids
• Improve function and mobility for millions of Australians
• Free up hospital resources for those who truly need them.

3. Early intervention – Preventing pain before it becomes a crisis

Preventative physiotherapy programs keep people out of hospitals by addressing issues before they escalate. The APA is demanding funding for:

• Falls prevention programs for older Australians, reducing injuries and hospital stays
• Chronic pain management programs to stop over-reliance on opioids
• Pelvic health physiotherapy to prevent and manage the significant birth trauma experienced by women

‘No one should have to wait in pain for months when a physiotherapist could help them today. Physiotherapy is not an ‘optional extra’. Without investment in non-surgical pathways, we are dooming patients to pain and unnecessary, costly procedures. If we invest in prevention, we can avoid crisis. Early physiotherapy intervention saves lives, improves mobility, and reduces healthcare costs. It’s time for the government to act.’

The APA is urging policymakers to commit to these reforms ahead of the 2025 Federal Election. With an ageing population, increasing rates of chronic disease, and growing hospital pressures, investing in physiotherapy-led care is essential.

‘The system is broken, but we have solutions. The next government must put patients first by funding physiotherapy access, preventing avoidable surgeries, and giving Australians the care they deserve,’ Dr Dawson said.

The APA Federal Election Statement is now available on our website. 

To help put patients at the centre of care, engage with our campaign toolkit.

References:
¹ 16 Docking, S., Ademi, Z., Barton, C., et al. (2024). Lifetime cost-effectiveness of structured education and exercise therapy for knee osteoarthritis in Australia. JAMA Network Open, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.36715  

² Physio can be cost-effective for managing knee osteoarthritis. (2024). APA. https://australian.physio/inmotion/physio-can-be-costeffective-managing-knee-osteoarthritis

³ Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Health system spending on disease and injury in Australia 2022–23, AIHW, Australian Government.