Nine in ten tradies experienced a work-related injury in the past year and one in two say they live with severe pain. The new data released ahead of Tradies National Health Month shows the backbone of Australia’s workforce is suffering as productivity pressures mount.

One in every ten Australian workers are a tradieⁱ, and one in four of them fear they will need to retire early because of stress on their bodies.ⁱⁱ  

New data shows nearly 50 per cent of Australians in their prime earning years living with chronic pain are unable to work¹, with almost 30 per cent of those returning to work only capable of working at a reduced capacity.¹

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging all candidates in the upcoming 2024 Queensland election to prioritise investment in physiotherapy. In an election statement released today, the APA evidences the value that physiotherapy can deliver to the state and to the healthcare outcomes of all Queenslanders.  

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) proudly supports NAIDOC Week 2024, honouring this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud”. The theme is an invitation and reminder for all Australians to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is extremely disappointed to see the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) price limits for physiotherapy supports remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive year, disregarding the pressures of rising operational costs, and leaving providers to make difficult decisions around the viability of their practices.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is thrilled to announce substantial updates to the WorkCover Queensland (WCQ) Allied Health Services Table of Costs for the 2024-2025 financial year, including a notable 4.1% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and the introduction of a new tier for physiotherapy services that are provided by specialist physiotherapists as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

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.