Hi there,

As a recruiter dealing with people from overseas i believe you can now apply for equivilance through the APA and they will assess your qualifications and experience and grant you full registration.
Physiotherapy has been on the skills shortage list for a bit in Australia so you should get a visa no problems once you have had your quals assessed

Yes unfortunately that is the way they do things and it does not seem fair but that is the way you have to play ball to practice here.

Some people choose to get registered in New Zealand and then come through on a Trans Tasman registration as that is an easier path to take

Cheers