APA strategic plan released – a blueprint for the physiotherapy profession

After extensive consultation, Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) National President Melissa Locke released the APA's Strategic Plan 2012–14, outlining the professional membership organisation's new direction within a changing health landscape.

'Our three-year plan identifies the Association's over-arching priority—to be a member-focused organisation that delivers quality professional development, advocacy, collegial networking and member services to a growing cohort of qualified health practitioners experiencing unprecedented demand,' stated Ms Locke.

'Physiotherapy is a fast-growing profession steeped in a history of evidence-based practice with increasing relevance in the context of an ageing Australian population, spiraling rates of disability, the rising incidence of chronic and non-communicable conditions and technological developments.'

In the last two decades the number of university-level physiotherapy courses has grown threefold with now over 20 courses offered across the country. During 2011, more than one thousand new physiotherapists graduated to join 22 000 registered practitioners.

'Growth in the number of physiotherapists is in response to huge demand for their wide range of services, despite many people associating physiotherapists with sporting injuries. As outlined in our strategic plan, the APA is keen to see the scope of physiotherapy more widely recognised and appreciated by the general public,' said Ms Locke.

The new plan centers around three strategic objectives directly addressing member needs: value, knowledge and voice. Twenty-eight aims fit under the objectives and have been carefully refined through broad consultation, including members, consumers and other professional and community organisations.

'A mainstay of the plan is to advocate for government funding mechanisms to ensure that physiotherapists can provide quality services. It is our belief that all Australians should have access to best practice physiotherapy when and where required to optimise health and well-being.

'As a peak body, the APA sets a high standard for professional competence and behaviour. This blueprint will guide our efforts to provide world-class support for physiotherapists within the Asia Western Pacific Region and become a distinctive, trusted brand that represents genuine value to all stakeholders,' concluded Ms Locke.

For more information

Kate Price, General Manager, Marketing & Communications
Australian Physiotherapy Association
M (+61) 412 793 736 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the APA and its members

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the peak body representing the interests of over 12 000 physiotherapists and their patients. APA members are registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, have undertaken to meet the APA Code of Conduct, are expected to use the latest research in practice and often have further and/or specialist qualifications. Physiotherapists work with, educate and customise exercise programs for people affected by a wide range of conditions and symptoms.

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