Federal Budget 2026–27: What it means for Occupational Therapy

Last night, the Treasurer handed down this Government’s fifth Federal Budget. Alongside property tax reform, NDIS reform is a central feature of this Budget, confirming the Government’s intention to significantly reshape eligibility, assessment, planning and access to services and supports. These changes will have material implications for occupational therapists and people they work with, particularly those working in disability, early childhood, psychosocial supports and aged care. This update provides OTA’s initial summary of Budget measures most relevant to the occupational therapy workforce. We will continue to analyse the detail as it becomes available and advocate on issues of concern to the profession.

Research Survey: Exploring the skills and interventions of mental health occupational therapists

This survey is to understand OTs current practice - who they work with, what interventions and assessments they use, what models of OT they use and what are their challenges and barriers faced.

Policy and Advocacy update – 7 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the update on Federal budget, OTA role in mental health strategy, and many more.

Strengthening cyber security in practice: simple steps for OTs

This second instalment focuses on practical steps you can take to strengthen your practice’s cybersecurity.

No OTs; No NDIS: OTA’s response to recent NDIS and workforce commentary

You may have seen recent media coverage following comments from Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler about upcoming NDIS reforms and the expected “redistribution” of the allied health workforce away from the NDIS and into other sectors. We want to be clear with members about our position, what we’re concerned about, and what we’re calling for.

May Interest Group highlights: Guest speakers and upcoming sessions

Mark your calendars! OTA’s May’s Interest Group sessions are here to inspire, energise and connect you with like-minded OTs across Australia.

Policy and Advocacy update – 23 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the announcement on NDIS reform, an update on Veterans' home care, and many more.

New OTA resource: Normal life is being disrupted (again)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for person-centered approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Today, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms in a significant pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club in Canberra. OTA is on the ground at the National Press Club today, with our CEO Sam Hunter ensuring OTs are firmly in the frame as NDIS reform takes centre stage.

Normal life is being disrupted (again): Navigating disruption in a changing world (2026)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

Research Study: Early-career OTs transitioning to specialty practice

This study seeks to explore transitions by early career occupational therapists into areas of specialty practice, from the perspectives of both early career and experienced occupational therapists.

Member Update: Aged Care Reform Implementation (March 2026)

Watch the recorded updates on the implementation of aged care sector reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

We invite you to review the draft and provide your feedback by completing this short survey.

About OTA’s CPD & Events

Learn from leading clinicians and academics while earning CPD hours to meet Ahpra requirements. Every completed activity is automatically recorded in your OTA CPD Tracker, with certificates included.

Practice Resource: Occupational Therapy and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

This resource helps occupational therapists (OTs) and key stakeholders understand the specific ways the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards relate to occupational therapy scope of practice.

Department of Health Disability and Ageing - Support at Home for Allied Health professionals

This is a presentation from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to AHPA members including OTA on the key changes under the Support at Home Program relating to allied health professionals.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 20 November at 1.00pm AEDT.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with older people (aged care)

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care) proposes a series of capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists practising across different aged care settings and support structures. The framework acknowledges that aged care is a complex and multifaceted area of clinical practice and is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

CPD Learning Hub

Access a library of expert-led content, anywhere, anytime. Our OnDemand Learning ensures professional development is easy to access and cost-effective.

Occupational Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Occupational Therapy – FAQs provides clear answers to common queries about occupational therapy, understand its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and participation in daily life.

Poster - Understanding occupational therapy in education

Download the "Understanding occupational therapy in education" flyer.

Poster - An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education

Download the "An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education" poster.

Consultation on Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission in relation to targeted foundational supports - Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin.

OTA Submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee | Mental health outcomes for Queenslanders

OTA provided a submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee on their Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.

Search all CPD & Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Workforce

We know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for the occupational therapy profession, such as attracting and retaining OTs. To address these challenges, we've consulted with our members to develop a workforce development plan.

Workforce Development Project

Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.

CPD and Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.