AHPA’s working groups focus on priority issues or areas that are relevant to a specific part of the allied health sector. Our working groups consist of key staff and practitioner representatives from member associations with particular expertise in the subject matter area. AHPA working groups meet regularly to discuss development of submissions, position statements and advocacy campaigns.
AHPA’s member organisations currently have over 14,000 professional members practising in regional, rural and remote areas. The AHPARR committee advises AHPA on issues relating to health care in these areas, such as barriers to accessing allied health services, and the education and training of allied health professionals. The committee also facilitates AHPA’s membership of the National Rural Health Alliance (see below).
Allied health professionals are key providers of services for people with disability. The implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has had a significant impact both on allied health services providers and their clients. The AHPA NDIS working group advises AHPA on its advocacy work to ensure allied health providers are not disadvantaged by the Scheme.
Access to allied health services is important for ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of older Australians, and for preventing their hospitalisation and health deterioration. The AHPA aged care working group advises AHPA on its advocacy for aged care funding reform, enhances understanding of the interface between aged care and other areas (e.g. health, disability), and has supported development of AHPA’s submissions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
AHPA is a member of several national bodies that are relevant to our member associations and their individual members. In addition to our advocacy work through these organisations, AHPA is also frequently invited to participate in government committees and advisory bodies on issues related to the allied health sector.
The Australian Allied Health Leadership Forum was established in 2013 as a collaboration between allied health organisations working together on issues of national importance to the allied health workforce and the Australian public. The Forum’s membership includes Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), Services for Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), National Allied Health Advisors Committee (NAHAC), the Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences and AHPA.
AHPA is a member of the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) through our AHPA Rural and Remote Committee (AHPARR). The NRHA consists of 44 national organisations working to improve the health and wellbeing of the 7 million Australians living in rural and remote areas. Members of NRHA represent consumer groups, health professional organisations, service providers, health educators and the Indigenous health sector.
The National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) comprises 54 national organisations in aged care, representing consumer groups, providers, unions and health professionals, working together to determine a more positive future for aged care in Australia. Alliance members are concerned about the adequacy of aged care funding and the future sustainability of services
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) represents the interests of Australian healthcare consumers. CHF advocates for safe, quality, timely healthcare for all Australians, supported by accessible health information and systems. CHF member organisations reach thousands of Australian health consumers across a wide range of health interests and health system experiences.