Physiotherapists are backing the Federal Government’s plan to introduce Medicare Locals.

The allied health profession’s peak body, the Australian Physiotherapy Association, which represents more than 12,000 physiotherapists across the nation, believes the plan will drive significant long-term improvements in the integration of primary health care services and create opportunities for physiotherapists.

APA president Melissa Locke said Medicare Locals will be significant players in primary health care.

"They will develop strong links to primary health care providers and GPs, creating opportunities for physiotherapists to network with key local providers, including GPs, strengthen their profile and maybe even access new referral pathways," she said.

"The current boards of Divisions of General Practice are predominantly doctor-based but as they become Medicare Locals, positions will open up for other professions like physiotherapy."

Ms Locke said Medicare Locals may give physiotherapists an opportunity to influence local health initiatives like never before and could also create more employment opportunities for the allied health profession.

But she said it was up to physiotherapists at a local level to get involved.

"Physiotherapists will need to become organised at a local level in order to ensure representation on Medicare Locals," she said.

"Regional groups and state branches potentially have an important role to play, supported by the national office. However, it will be activity at local levels that will determine success or failure."

Ms Locke said the initiative would replace a current system riddled with a range of problems, including limited access to services for the socially disadvantaged, those in rural areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.