THE AUSTRALIAN PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION: OVERVIEW & HISTORY
An Overview
The Australian Physiotherapy Association is the peak body representing the interests of Australian physiotherapists and their patients. The APA is a national organisation with non-autonomous state and territory branches and specialty subgroups.
The APA corporate structure is one of a company limited by guarantee. The organisation has approximately 11,000 members, some 70 staff, and over 300 members in volunteer positions on committees or working parties. The APA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by representatives of all stakeholder groups within the Association.
The Physiotherapy Research Foundation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the APA, strives to promote and facilitate physiotherapy-related research.
Brief History: 100 years of the APA
1906 Australasian Massage Association formed
1938 First university level physiotherapy course established (University of Queensland)
1939 Name changed to Australian Physiotherapy Association
1948 National Office of the Association established
1950 First degree in physiotherapy offered (University of Queensland)
1972 Margaret Peel becomes the first physiotherapist to hold the position of President
1976 First-contact practitioner status established
1982 APA incorporated as a national organisation
1997 Seven physiotherapy degree programs
1999 Current Constitution adopted
2004 First MBS access to physiotherapy through the Enhanced Primary Care Initiative
2006 Eighteen entry level physiotherapy programs
2006 APA celebrates the centenary of the Association
