The Board of Directors, on behalf of the Australian Physiotherapy Council, extends its support to the Voice to Parliament referendum being held in 2023.
This statement of support reflects the Council’s engagement with our First Nations staff, our Reconciliation Working Group and our non-Indigenous staff.
As a values led organisation, the Council is committed to the elimination of racism in the healthcare system, specifically as the physiotherapy profession provides services to the Australian community.
The Council advocates for improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Through our work in healthcare, we seek to facilitate culturally safe physiotherapists. We recognise and respect the richness of Indigenous knowledge, culture and talent and how these elements are critical to addressing health inequities among First Nations communities.
Since 2018, the Council has welcomed First Nations staff and governance stakeholders to work at all levels of the organisation to inform our work of accrediting entry-level university programs and assessing overseas qualified physiotherapists.
The Council supports reconciliation and greater recognition of First Nations peoples in Australia, as outlined in the principles of the 2017 Uluru Statement of the Heart.
We acknowledge the diverse views across the Australian communities, particularly related to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and urge humility, respect and understanding for those most impacted.
As Australia approaches this historic moment to consider greater recognition of First Nations peoples in our constitution, we strongly encourage Australians to respectfully learn, discuss and consider your personal contribution to the efforts of a fairer and more equitable Australia.