The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has released a statement in support of the Voice to Parliament, as part of the ongoing commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who experience a burden of disease, including musculoskeletal conditions, at 2.3 times the rate of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people¹.

In line with the Voice bill being introduced to Parliament today, the APA’s statement urges all forms of government to hear the calls from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to address the needs of their communities. 

APA National President Scott Willis is a proud Palawa man and stands by the commitment of the APA and the Voice.

“Alongside truth-telling and treaty, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will provide a path towards healing and reconciliation. The Voice allows for First Nations people to advise Parliament and the Executive Government on issues that directly affect them and their communities,” Mr Willis said.

The APA supports the Voice as part of its commitment to improving health and reducing the burden of disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who experience a burden of disease that is more than double of those who are non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people². 

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a burden of disease at 2.3 times the rate of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people³. Chronic diseases, including musculoskeletal conditions, are responsible for approximately two-thirds of the estimated burden⁴. We have to do better. 

“It’s disappointing to see so few members from the Liberal party at Parliament today to be part of the Voice being introduced. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the custodians of these lands, and have been detrimentally affected by the constitution for many years. The Voice is a step in the right direction to reconciliation and achieving better outcomes for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Willis said.

The APA’s statement can be found here.

References:
¹ ² ³ ⁴ The Future of Physiotherapy in Australia. Australian Physiotherapy Association.