FAQs: About the APA and how to support your profession

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the peak body representing the interests of Australian physiotherapists and their patients in Australia. With more than 36,000 members, APA is committed to professional excellence and career success for our members, which translates into better patient outcomes and improved health conditions for all Australians.

The APA supports the physiotherapy profession by advocating for the role of physiotherapy in Australia’s healthcare system and representing members’ interests, providing professional development opportunities for physiotherapists to upgrade their knowledge and skills, offer advice and support to members, promote and support research to advance the profession, facilitate leadership opportunities for physiotherapists to contribute to the future direction of the profession and foster collegial connection.

The APA is a national organisation with state and territory branches and National Groups. It is governed by a Board of Directors, which receives strategic advice from the National Advisory Council. The National Advisory Council includes representatives from APA Branches, National Groups and other stakeholder groups across the Association, helping ensure member perspectives are represented in the APA’s governance structure. Find out more about governance.

Towards 2030 is the APA’s future-focused strategy. It outlines how the APA will support physiotherapists to thrive, strengthen the role of physiotherapy in Australia’s healthcare system and help ensure more Australians can access the care they need. Read the plan.

APA National Groups are specialty subgroups that bring together members who work in or have an interest in similar areas of physiotherapy practice. They offer opportunities for advanced training, professional development, peer connection and collegial support from physiotherapists working in related fields. Explore APA’s National Groups.

National Group committees bring together members with an interest in specific clinical practice areas and support the APA by providing leadership, communication, representation and services to all members within the national group's area of expertise. APA committees are governed by the APA committee regulations.

APA branch councils give members the opportunity to contribute to the profession at a state or territory level. Branch councils represent the views of members within that state or territory and support physiotherapy advocacy and reform across areas such as compensable schemes, public health and state government liaison. If you would like to get involved, please contact the APA Member Support team.

APA members can get involved with National Group committees and branch councils at different stages of their career. Members can contribute their knowledge, experience, time and passion in exchange for an opportunity to give back to the profession in a meaningful way, along with building their leadership skills. If you would like information on current opportunities or would like to get involved, please contact the APA Member Support team.