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The Physiotherapy Board of Australia prioritised strengthening the physiotherapy workforce to improve access to care and to support long-term sustainability. In collaboration with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), the Board completed research into physiotherapist attrition, identifying factors that influence retention. The findings, once published, will inform a strategic workforce plan.
In line with the Independent review of Australia’s regulatory settings relating to overseas health practitioners (the Kruk review), the Board continued to work with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) on streamlining pathways for physiotherapists with overseas qualifications to register for practice in Australia.
The Board progressed its proposal to endorse physiotherapists to prescribe scheduled medicines. It was presented to chief allied health officers and chief pharmacists for their input.
A preliminary consultation on this proposed endorsement was held from 11 March to 6 May. There will be further stakeholder engagement before it is taken to public consultation.
The APC, on behalf of the Board, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the standards used to accredit entry-level physiotherapy programs. Upon completion, the revised accreditation standards will be submitted to the Board for approval.
The APC is also developing new postgraduate prescribing standards which will be aligned with the proposed entry-level standards. These prescribing standards will be considered alongside the Board’s broader prescribing proposal.
Regular review of accreditation standards ensures graduates meet the required competencies for safe, ethical and effective physiotherapy practice in Australia.
The Board maintained strong engagement with stakeholders, practitioners and the community throughout the year by holding meetings in Adelaide and Western Australia, and participating in the APA conference in Perth. At the conference, research from the Board and the APA’s joint Physiotherapy Analytics and Research Collaborative was showcased, alongside presentations addressing practitioner distress in the complaints process.
Regular engagement continued with professional associations and regulatory partners, including the Physiotherapy Council of New South Wales and the APC. The Board also exchanged knowledge and best practices with international partners through its participation in the 2024 International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities symposium and a panel discussion at the 2025 World Physiotherapy Congress.
The Board remains committed to staying informed on issues central to its regulatory mandate, including workforce sustainability and public protection.
On 5 December, health ministers announced new appointments and reappointments across the National Boards. Ministers appointed three practitioner members: Mrs Shellie Burgess from New South Wales, Professor Wayne Hing from Queensland, and Mr Daniel Mahony from Western Australia. They also appointed three community members: Ms Emma Jarvis from Western Australia, Mr Andrew Mitchell from Tasmania, and Mr Steven Price from Victoria.
We thank the outgoing members and the former Chair, Ms Kim Gibson, for their contributions to the Board.
Dr Paula Harding, Chair
