We are a national organisation committed to the highest standards
The APA is a national organisation with state and territory branches and specialty subgroups committed to implementing the highest standards of corporate governance. Our governance practices have been reviewed against the ‘Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations’ as published by the Australian Stock Exchange.
The APA corporate structure is one of a company limited by guarantee and is governed by a Board of Directors elected by representatives of all stakeholder groups within the Association. Of the potential nine Directors, seven must be financial members of the APA, and up to two may be external, non-physiotherapist Directors. Board members are elected by the National Advisory Council (NAC).
See who’s on the National Advisory Council >
The APA Board of Directors receives strategic advice from the NAC. All APA Branches and National Groups nominate a representative to the NAC. Other nominees to the NAC include representatives of the APA student group, Journal of Physiotherapy, National Professional Standards Panel, the rural and remote membership base, and the Australian College of Physiotherapists.
The Constitution
Our Constitution is the document that determines the way the APA operates. The APA is committed to the continual development of a flexible and agile culture, with effective structures, systems and processes to help us achieve our vision.
The APA Code of Conduct
Physiotherapists who are members of the APA must uphold the APA Code of Conduct. All nine principles in the APA Code of Conduct are binding on all APA members. Where guidance points use the term ‘members’ this means the guidance applies to all three types of APA members: physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and physiotherapy assistants. Where the guidance material applies uniquely to physiotherapists, this is clearly indicated.
Whisteblower policy
The APA is committed to high standards of honesty, integrity and accountability.
The Whistleblower policy is designed to foster a transparent and ethical environment by guiding the process for reporting concerns about illegal or unethical behaviour and outlining the procedure for reporting misconduct, protecting whistleblowers, and investigating allegations thoroughly.
The APA provides a number of pathways for individuals to disclose reportable conduct and to be protected in doing so. Disclosure may be made in the following ways:
- by post to the APA, Attention: Whistleblower Protection Officer, PO Box 437 Hawthorn BC Vic 3122 (please mark letters as “Private and Confidential”);
- by phone on 1300 306 622 and by requesting to speak to the APA’s Whistleblower Protection Officer (the call will be forwarded to the relevant person);
- by email to whistleblower@australian.physio; or
- by using this online Discloser of Reportable Conduct form, which may be completed anonymously.
The APA Board Charter
The purpose of the APA Board Charter is to specify how the APA is governed to promote the APA and protect the interests of the members, employees and communities in which the APA operates.
Our regulations cover the roles, responsibilities and procedures of all APA entities. Read or download the documents:
- APA Committee Regulations
- APA Whistleblower policy
- Complaints management and disciplinary hearing procedures – NPSP procedures manual
- National Advisory Council regulations
- National Professional Standards Panel regulations
The Australian College of Physiotherapists policies and procedures
Examination and Assessment
Special consideration
- ACP Special Consideration policy (PDF)
- ACP Application for Special Consideration online form: STP | Titling
Appeals, complaints, grievances
- ACP Appeal form
- ACP Complaints and Grievances form
- ACP Appeals, Complaints and Grievances policy
- ACP Appeals, Complaints and Grievances procedure
- ACP Global Glossary of Terms
- ACP Advice, Complaint or Grievance flow chart
- ACP Appeal flow chart