Urgent Action - Protect Your APA

Senior APA members (including myself) are concerned that the issue of our APA enacting restrictive behaviour on members access to professional development is alarming and largely unrecognized. Whether by intent or timing, this significant issue has slipped under the radar for many APA members being pre-Christmas. However, those members we have spoken to are largely gobsmacked and appalled at this behaviour.

I was informed, that as a result of the APA member survey (which I also completed as a member), PD was voted hands down as one of the more important issues for members. The online webinars have been a positive new service for members. However, members didn't vote for the APA to take a position that stifles professional development through suddenly cutting access to all professional advertising or facilities. Often provided by those very same members, that through service and volunteer time, have created and built up many so-called 'APA PD courses'.

The APA is a great body for advocacy, policy formulation and other big-picture projects, but the heart of physiotherapy, the clinical expertise of physiotherapy, this lies outside the APA in its members. The APA is not a registered training organisation nor should it be in charge of member's access to professional development.

If you feel that this direction currently being undertaken is not positive for our APA - don't renew. We have been informed, those within the APA see this funneling of all members into APA sanctified courses as a financial decision. If 300 physiotherapists choose to express their dissatisfaction wishing for freedom of choice of PD, that is $300,000 less revenue. This is sending a clear message in the language they understand and letting those making this decision know we are not happy with their decision.

Time is of the essence - membership renewals are being considered now.