Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) Confident On List

For 25 years Yoga Australia has been the shining light in this nation for the promotion of yoga to the public and the development of higher educational standards for yoga teachers and yoga therapists.

We are delighted to be a part of the recent conversation around the benefits of yoga, the increasing uptake in the population, and the need for highly qualified yoga teachers in this country.

Yoga plays an important role in the health of all Australians in key areas like preventative health, aged care, chronic disease, and mental health. In addition to providing symptomatic relief and preventing the onset of disease and injury, yoga delivers a holistic state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Yoga Australia is a world leader in ensuring the full scope of yoga is taught in a manner compatible with modern science and medicine. We are the sole peak body in this country with a competency-based curriculum incorporating Australia’s educational framework for vocational education and training. This work forms a complete career pathway of continuing education and upskilling.

We seek optimal outcomes for the broadest spectrum of Australians by adopting an integrated approach to health. We work hand-in-hand with experts in medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, and education to ensure services are delivered in alignment with evidence-based research.

The knowledge and skills development pathway prescribed by Yoga Australia creates assurance that our members are versed in cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed practices, and mental health awareness in the wake of Covid. All Australians deserve the opportunity to experience longevity without chronic pain and, with its affordability and relative ease of entry, Yoga is well-placed to improve equity in health for priority populations.

There is ample research showing the effectiveness of yoga in preventative health and the treatment of chronic conditions. This, along with the recent and widespread adoption of distance learning, presents an excellent opportunity to share yoga seamlessly and professionally. In doing so, we create positive health outcomes and reduce pressure on our health and aged care systems.

Maintaining the integrity of the yogic philosophy and traditions that is currently being taught by thousands of Yoga Australia’s members is critical to its growth. With so many Australians already learning a wide range of physical and psychological techniques, the potential for harmonious development of inclusive national frameworks is extraordinary.

Similarly, there is great value in the existing community networks formed around yoga, including the numerous lineage-based yoga associations who work with and for Yoga Australia.

Yoga Australia welcomes the opportunity to work with and advise the government as a subject matter expert, providing insights based on the holistic practice of yoga and our experience representing a large and growing group of yoga professionals in the country.

Click play to hear Josh Pryor, Yoga Australia’s CEO, interviewed on 6PR in Perth on the topic: