Council’s message at the APA Conference

We’re thrilled to sponsor this year’s APA Conference in Adelaide, where leaders and innovators from across the physiotherapy profession came together to share ideas, inspire change, and connect with peers.

Our CEO Anton Barnett Harris speech at the opening session highlighted the crucial role physiotherapists play in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.

At the Council, we see ourselves as both a bridge and an enabler—helping new physiotherapists seamlessly join the Australian workforce. Together with our colleagues and partners, we’re committed to shaping a future where physiotherapy remains at the forefront of community health.

The following is the complete speech:

"Good afternoon, my name is Anton Barnett-Harris and I am privileged to lead as the CEO of the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

As the sponsor of this Opening Plenary session with guest speaker Gill Hicks, it is my honour to address you today here at the 2025 Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference.
This event brings us together as a profession, as clinicians, educators, researchers, leaders and regulators – focused on the vital contribution our profession will continue to make in Australia’s healthcare sector.

At the heart of the Council’s mission is our commitment to enabling and ensuring the physiotherapy workforce of tomorrow.
Each year over 3,000 new physiotherapy students graduate from Australian universities. The Council’s role is to collaborate and partner with Australian universities through the accreditation process, and to ensure these graduates are well equipped with the knowledge, clinical experience and competency to enter the workforce and deliver excellent patient care.
Equally, we open assessment pathways to welcome high-quality internationally trained physiotherapists, who choose Australia as the place to contribute their knowledge and expertise.