ARPA News

ARPA National President Keynote Address: the International Vocational Rehabilitation Symposium, Windsor Canada

By Rachel Wong posted yesterday
The vocational rehabilitation industry stands at a critical inflection point. As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshape how we assess, plan, and support workers returning to employment, the decisions we make today will reverberate through the profession for decades to come. This reality crystallized during the International Vocational Rehabilitation Symposium: Building Bridges from Evaluation to Integration, held in Windsor, Canada on 3 and 4 June, where our ARPA National President delivered a joint keynote address that tackled the urgent intersection of ethics, technology, and professional responsibility within our industry sector. ...

IN PERSON TAS: Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions: A Cross-Sector Panel Discussion

By Malinda Moreton posted 18-06-2026
Effective workplace rehabilitation for psychological injuries relies on strong collaboration between multiple stakeholders, each bringing a unique perspective to the return-to-work process. This panel discussion brings together representatives from an insurer, the psychology profession, and WorkSafe Tasmania to explore the unique challenges, emerging issues, and opportunities associated with supporting workers recovering from psychological injury. Through open conversation and shared experiences, panel members will discuss how greater understanding, communication, and collaboration across the system can contribute to improved outcomes for injured workers and ...

WEBINAR: When Claims Get Complicated

By Malinda Moreton posted 01-06-2026
WEBINAR: Psychological injury claims are among the most challenging in the workers compensation system, and the most likely to stall, escalate, or result in poor outcomes when the professionals around them don't understand what they're actually dealing with. This session offers rehabilitation and return to work professionals a practical, clinically grounded framework for understanding psychological injury and complex claims. Drawing on her specialist experience as a clinical psychologist working at the intersection of PTSD, workers compensation, and medico-legal assessment, the webinar unpacks what makes these claims complex, how to communicate more effectively ...

WA IN-PERSON: Supporting High-Value Care (HVC)

By Malinda Moreton posted 14-05-2026
Join us for an upcoming session on Supporting High-Value Care (HVC), where we will move beyond theory to tackle real-world clinical challenges. This session will provide a practical framework to optimise patient outcomes and healthcare resources. We will break down HVC's application across critical treatment pillars, including Physiotherapy, Active/Exercise treatment, Radiology & Surgery, and Medications. Crucially, the presentation will provide a clear roadmap for what to do when low-value care is identified. Such as: How to identify risk factors for protracted/delayed recovery How to assist re-orientating treatment back toward best-practice, evidence-based ...

WEBINAR: Supporting Safe and Sustainable Return to Work Following Psychological Injury

By Malinda Moreton posted 06-05-2026
ABOUT This 60-minute interactive virtual session, facilitated by Access Psych, will focus on building practical capability to support safe, sustainable return to work following psychological injury. The session will cover key factors that influence recovery and RTW readiness, common barriers and risks, and how to design effective, graded RTW plans that balance clinical and workplace needs. Using real-world case examples, polls, and discussion, participants will gain practical strategies they can apply immediately to improve outcomes, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term work participation. This presentation is suitable for anyone who is involved in ...

Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand 9th Annual Scientific Meeting

By Malinda Moreton posted 07-04-2026
On behalf of Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ) they are delighted to invite you to Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand 9th Annual Scientific Meeting which is being held in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia from the 19 – 22 July 2026. The theme for the conference is Bridging Rehabilitation Gaps . There are many rehabilitation gaps in domains such as culture, ageing, technology and research. Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to leave many of us behind. This conference will explore how we can best harness our resources to optimise outcomes for our patients. ...

ARPA Remuneration Benchmarking Snapshot (2025)

By Nat Davey posted 26-02-2026
ARPA Remuneration Benchmarking Survey Results| 2025 Purpose: In 2025, ARPA conducted a remuneration benchmarking survey to understand how salaries progress across different allied health professional groups and experience levels within ARPA member organisations , and to identify any areas of workforce sustainability risk. Key Findings: The results confirm competitive remuneration positioning within ARPA member organisations, supporting attraction and retention of more experienced allied health professionals. However, the key workforce pressure point is in the first few years of employment , before professionals reach full ...

Good to Go Campaign

By Malinda Moreton posted 20-02-2026
Join ARPA for a national member briefing on the Good to Go campaign, our industry-led initiative designed to strengthen employer capability, reduce stigma, and promote safe, early return to work across Australia. This session will provide members with a comprehensive overview of the campaign’s evidence base, strategic intent, and practical application. We will explore how the campaign supports recovery outcomes, workforce participation, and employer confidence, while positioning rehabilitation providers as essential partners in the recovery journey. Members will gain clarity on campaign messaging, how to integrate it into employer engagement, and how this ...

2026 ARPA National Conference

By Malinda Moreton posted 12-02-2026
Step into the future of workplace rehabilitation at this year’s ARPA National Conference , hosted at Crown Perth on 1-2 September 2026. This year’s Conference theme is “Reimagining Rehabilitation 2030: Evidence, Technology & Human Recovery.” Across two dynamic days, more than 500 industry leaders, practitioners, and innovators will come together to explore what’s next in rehabilitation, psychosocial risk, digital innovation, and workforce participation. Connect with peers from across the country, build powerful partnerships, and be part of the conversations driving real change. Two days. One national conversation. A future ...

IN-PERSON TAS: Panel Discussion – Collaboration Driving Return to Work

By Malinda Moreton posted 04-11-2025
ARPA Tasmania invites you to a thought-provoking panel discussion that will explore the role of collaboration in driving successful return-to-work outcomes within the injury management landscape. The panel will feature a range of diverse perspectives from key stakeholders in the industry, including insurers, rehabilitation providers, and injury management experts. This discussion will delve into how strong collaboration across different sectors and departments can improve processes, enhance recovery journeys, and foster better outcomes for those affected by workplace injuries. The morning offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from a variety of ...

2025 ARPA AGMs

By Eve Olsson posted 01-10-2025
ARPA National would like to advise the scheduled dates of the 2025 Annual General Meetings. All times are local and meetings will be online except where noted: 🔹SA - Tuesday 14 October 1.30pm 🔹VIC - Thursday 16 October 8.30am Carlton and online 🔹QLD - Thursday 16 October 1.00pm 🔹NSW - Thursday 23 October 10.00am 🔹ACT - Wednesday 5 November 2.00pm Deakin 🔹TAS - Thursday 6 November 9.00am 🔹NT - Thursday 6 November 2.00pm 🔹WA - Tuesday 11 November 3.00 pm Shenton Park (seats limited) and online 🔹NATIONAL - Tuesday 9 December 12noon AEDT online Members please contact executive@arpa.org.au for information about attending or ...

IN PERSON: ARPA WA Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

By Malinda Moreton posted 26-09-2025
ARPA WA Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment Modalities, Outcomes, and Future Directions Join us for an engaging in-person event featuring two leading experts in Pain Medicine, Dr. Jie Xu and Dr. Remedios , as they delve into the complexities of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) . This session will explore the latest treatment modalities, examine patient outcomes, and offer a glimpse into the future of CRPS management. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of CRPS, evaluate current evidence on treatment approaches, and explore emerging management protocols. If you're a healthcare professional ...

SA Event Bridging the Gap: A Rehab Consultant’s Guide to Collaborating with Doctors

By Malinda Moreton posted 16-09-2025
Join ARPA SA for this free professional development event. Bridging the Gap is your opportunity to explore the intersection of rehabilitation and general practice with experts in the field. This interactive session will feature a panel with Dr. Prasanna Ramachandran and Dr. Sanjeev Selvadurai from the Adelaide Injury Clinic. Rehabilitation Providers, this is your chance to learn strategies for effective collaboration with General Practitioners to improve patient outcomes. Discover practical tips on how to create a more seamless, integrated approach to care, from initial assessments to long-term recovery. This session is perfect for anyone involved in Occupational ...

QLD Event: Insurers' Obligations to Fund Rehabilitation Under Statutory Schemes

By Malinda Moreton posted 01-09-2025
Thursday 25 September, Novotel Brisbane. FOCUS Join us for an informative session as we explore the critical role insurers play in funding rehabilitation under statutory schemes in Queensland and across Australia. This event will delve into the complex landscape of workers' compensation and personal injury law, focusing on the responsibilities of insurers to support injured individuals in their recovery journey. 4.30pm arrival for refreshments, 5.30pm presentation start. PRESENTED BY Travis Schultz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP), a nationally recognised compensation law firm known ...

ARPA NT in-person PD opportunity - 11 September

By Eve Olsson posted 22-08-2025
If you are nav igating workplace compensation claims in the Northern Territory, this event is for you! It will aid your understanding of the complexities of NT legislation — key to ensuring compliant, efficient and effective claims management. ARPA NT is pleased to host guest speakers from QBE NT Lillian Summers and Tanya Eagle. Join your industry colleagues Thursday 11 September at Darwin Innovation Hub, 9.00am for 9.30-10.45am presentation followed by networking time. Find all the details and how to register IN-PERSON: NT Workers' Compensation - an Insurer's Perspective - but hurry as seats are limited!

Inquiry into disability support services sector

By Eve Olsson posted 19-08-2025
Real change requires collaboration. In late July a formal inquiry into the disability services sector was launched. It is time for you to get involved and contribute your workplace experiences in the sector. The sector is a priority area as it has vulnerable consumers and workers, with issues of non-compliance with workplace laws. The Fair Work Ombudsman is aiming to identify where there’s non-compliance, what’s driving it, and how to effectively build and sustain a culture of compliance in the sector. Click through here for all the details: Disability support services inquiry

Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in NSW

By Eve Olsson posted 01-08-2025
Anyone with insights about mental health and wellbeing in NSW is invited to give your opinions about the mental health service system and about community mental health and wellbeing via a 5 minute online survey (which may be best for individuals and can be anonymous), or organisations are invited to prepare a written submission. NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy | Have Your Say

It Pays to Care: Driving its Domain to Deliver Improved RTW Outcomes

By Malinda Moreton posted 29-07-2025
Following on from its Health Benefits of Good Work, the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's evidence-based policy of It Pays to Care www.itpaystocare.org is leading the personal injury industry collaboratively to implement practical initiatives promoting RTW. Addressing its domains of scheme regulation, insurance operations/case management, employer influence and medical treatment underpinned by the biopsychosocial model, It Pays to Care is helping shape injury management strategy and deliver better recovery outcomes on a national basis. Join us to hear ARPA's acting interim CEO Sharon Stratford, also Lead Advocacy Advisor ...

IN PERSON: ARPA WA Peer Insights & Networking Event

By Malinda Moreton posted 17-07-2025
This event will focus on building a supportive community for professionals who are in the early stages of their careers (0-2 years in the industry). During our networking session, we’ll delve into case study reviews and industry skill-building exercises. It’s a fantastic opportunity for managers to bring their team members along to connect, share experiences, and gain valuable insights from peers in a non-competitive, low-pressure environment. This event is about fostering retention within the industry by empowering newcomers with the tools and networks they need to succeed. Henry's Rooftop Bar at the Reverley Level 2 Aug 7, 17:00 - 19:00 (AWST) ...

Safe at work. There for them

By Eve Olsson posted 07-07-2025
SafeWork NSW has advised the following and requested assistance to spread the 'Irreplaceable' message - You’re important at work. At home you’re irreplaceable. On 1 July 2025, SafeWork NSW became an independent agency. This move enables us to be a stronger, more robust regulator and further improve workplace health and safety in NSW. To coincide with our new status, we are launching the ‘Irreplaceable’ campaign. The campaign highlights the importance of staying safe at work and at the same time raises awareness of the impact workplace injuries can have on families, communities and businesses. It reinforces that while everyone is important at work, ...