Advocacy
We work to make sure that decision makers understand the important and life-changing work that OTs do with their clients everyday across Australia. We engage with state and federal governments, stakeholders, providers and members to understand and overcome systemic issues and barriers impacting the OT scope and profession by working to change laws, policies and systems. Our policymaking and advocacy work is informed by engagement with our members.
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Areas of Advocacy
We represent occupational therapists, and the people they support, in a wide range of advocacy areas.
Explore how OTA advocates for members in areas important to you.
- Aged Care
- Compensation Schemes
- Disability
- Mental Health
- Primary Health
- State-Based Issues
- Veterans
- Workforce
Inform and support our advocacy work by joining as a member.
How we advocate for our members and the profession
We advocate for occupational therapists across Australia in three key areas:
Representation
We represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapists, respond to government inquiries and advocate for better conditions for OTs and their clients.
Consultation
We consult with practising OTA members through our national reference groups (NRG) to share learnings and collaborate on important issues.
Promoting the profession
We work to create clarity about the purpose and function occupational therapy has in supporting people to achieve their goals and live meaningful lives.
National Reference Groups
Our national reference groups bring together experienced OTs to inform our position and make sure we are focused on our members’ priorities to deliver best-practice care and support.
We currently have four national reference groups focused on:
- Aged Care
- Mental Health
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Veterans’ Affairs
The role of our national reference groups is to:
- Identify and examine issues of importance to occupational therapists and their clients across each area.
- Inform our position on these issues and, where required, assist in developing and implementing an appropriate advocacy strategy.
How you can help
OTA members can play a more active role in how we develop our policy and advocacy positions by joining these national reference groups.
