Opportunity lost to help unify and strengthen the fitness profession

You may have recently heard that Physical Activity Australia (PAA) is combining with another organisation.

In March 2014, the Physical Activity Australia (PAA) Board approached Fitness Australia to discuss combining the two registers of exercise professionals. We were pleased with this approach because we firmly believe that the establishment of a single, national register of exercise professionals in Australia is in the best interests of the public, exercise professionals and industry businesses. It's also an important and credible link between exercise and allied health and medical professionals and is recognised by government as an effective industry self-regulatory system that safeguards the public.

Unfortunately, the PAA Board has taken the decision to transfer its programs and services to another organisation. This includes its register of exercise professionals. In my opinion, this decision is short-sighted and disappointing.

This decision represents a lost opportunity to unify and strengthen the profession through the creation of one official Australian public register of exercise professionals who have the credentials to practice and deliver health and fitness services to the public. 

One register is more powerful and influential than two. One register is less confusing for the public than two. Most health professionals have one official public register. Shouldn't this also apply to exercise professionals?

There are a number of other questions raised by this decision that the fitness community needs to consider:

• What are the credentials and capacity of this new organisation to effectively administer a public register of exercise professionals? 
• What experience and connection do they have with the fitness industry and education providers? 
• How knowledgeable and experienced are they in relation to the national qualification framework? 
• What is their capacity to provide advice to exercise professionals? 
• Is it their mission to lead, support and develop the fitness industry? 
• How much of their work is directed towards helping the fitness industry? 

Only time will tell.

Fitness Australia takes all of these responsibilities very seriously. It is our core purpose to  support the fitness industry. It is the reason why we exist. Please consider this when deciding which organisation you will be connecting and working with.

If you have any queries about this issue, don't hesitate to contact our friendly team on 1300 211 311 or email info@fitness.org.au.