The Federal Election has been called for 3 May 2025, and while everyone whips into campaign mode, millions of Australians are suffering needless pain, racking up preventable hospital visits because they cannot access timely physiotherapy. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for urgent reform ahead of the election, putting direct access to physiotherapy, new care pathways, and greater investment in prevention at the forefront of the healthcare conversation.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the continued investment in the nation’s health articulated in tonight’s Federal Budget.

In a budget framed as a plan for a “new generation of prosperity”, APA National President Dr Rik Dawson MACP said Australia’s healthcare system requires a bolder reform agenda.

Faster, fairer and more effective care must be on the election ballot this campaign season. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging political parties to prioritise healthcare reform that will deliver for the millions of Australians with musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. At the heart of the APA’s call is a critical reform: publicly funded First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP), which would provide direct access to physiotherapists for diagnosis and treatment when they need it and without needing a GP referral.

The National Health and Medical Research Council has awarded the University of Sydney and their major support partner, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), a Partnership Grant for the PhysioDirect-Aus project. This research will explore the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of a publicly funded direct access physiotherapy pathway for musculoskeletal pain in Australia.