Australian Governments Must Deliver on Health

The Australian Physiotherapy Association is disappointed that today’s much anticipated COAG meeting has not resulted in any measurable action by federal or state governments.

"The consultation process has been long and effective," said Pat Maher, President of the APA "We agree with the Prime Minister that the system is at tipping point. The challenges COAG discussed today are not new and have been well known for a decade. The various options available for reform have also been canvassed for a decade.”

Australian people are now expecting action to ensure they can see the most appropriately trained health professional for their condition, in a timely and cost effective fashion. Health professions are expecting direction regarding the development of their scope of practice and the funding models that support them. Older Australians and Australians with a disability and chronic disease are expecting access to the care and treatment they need, at home, at hospital and in the community to enable them to live as independently and productively as possible.

Pat Maher said, "Yesterday's meeting does not move those Australians any closer into having their expectations of government and the health system delivered on. The time for consulting has passed and the community need strong leadership and action on health reform."