As celebrations for Pride Month draw to a close, we acknowledge the 55th anniversary of the start of the International Gay Rights Movement in 1969.

Today and beyond, the Australian Physiotherapy Association is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a profession that champions diversity and inclusion.

We strive to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and vilification based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and innate variations in sex characteristics.

A new report from Nous Group revealed that allowing physiotherapists to make direct referrals could save the Australian healthcare system and patients an astounding $162.7 million annually. This new evidence supports the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) in their work advocating for a transformative policy change that would significantly improve the patient referral process.

The proposed changes include:

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.