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 2025 Federal 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) is calling on all candidates for the 2025 Western Australian election to commit to strengthening the healthcare system by prioritising physiotherapy-led models of care.  

It’s been just over a month since Dr Rik Dawson MACP stepped into his two-year term as National President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), and he has hit the ground running.

This week, the Queensland Government announced a pause on access to stage one and stage two hormone therapies for new patients under 18 in the state’s public health system. The decision has raised alarm among healthcare professionals, including the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, who warn that it will place already vulnerable young people at greater risk.