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Abstract
Physiotherapy university education commenced in Australia more than 100 years ago. In 2007, baccalaureate and graduate entry programmes are available in 14 universities. Rigorous educational standards set by the universities must also meet the Australian Physiotherapy Council requirements before programmes are accredited and their graduates are eligible for registration to practice. Academic and clinical physiotherapists have contributed to the development of these national standards and continue to work collaboratively in the delivery of educational programmes where clinical education is an integral component of all degrees. Physiotherapy graduates are broadly representative of Australia's multicultural community although with a higher percentage of women. There are about 1100 graduates annually joining a workforce of about 16,000 physiotherapists. Australian physiotherapists have enjoyed autonomous primary care practice for more than 30 years. A wide range of specialist areas is open to them, supported by extensive continuing education and formal university programmes leading to postgraduate doctoral and masters degrees in clinical practice and research.