Development of an AH Aged Care Assessment Tool: Call for EOIs

3 June 2025

Development of an AH Aged Care Assessment Tool: Call for EOIs

Call for EOIs: The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has engaged Health Consult, in partnership with Allied Health Professions Australia and Liquid Interactive, to develop a practical, user-friendly assessment tool to identify the allied health needs of residents in aged care homes.

Aged care assessment tool development: Call for Expressions of Interest

3 June 2025

Aged care assessment tool development: Call for Expressions of Interest

Telstra Health is seeking AH clinicians for a Clinical Advisory Group that will help them design and develop new digital products for use in practice. Telstra Health is seeking EOIs from occupational therapists who have basic digital literacy and work in private practice in residential aged care facilities, NDIS, DVA, or home care.

Practical tips: Indicative pricing for Support at Home

2 June 2025

Practical tips: Indicative pricing for Support at Home

OTA shares the concerns of members about a number of aspects of the new Aged Care Act and associated Rules, that will come into effect on 1 July. Of prime concern are the recently released Indicative Prices for Support at Home.

Three key takeaways from the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference

2 June 2025

Three key takeaways from the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference

OTA recently attended the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference in Melbourne on 20 and 21 May, which highlighted three critical challenges facing the disability sector: NDIS pricing issues, delays in foundational supports, and a growing lack of trust within the sector.

Our top 5 CPD on-demand!

22 May 2025

Our top 5 CPD on-demand!

Have you ever wondered what other OTs do for their professional development? And to meet their Ahpra CPD standards? We've put together our top 5 most popular CPD on-demand to give you some inspiration: 1. Functional Cognition Explained 2. Talking Toileting: Series 1 & 2 3. Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice 4. Palliative Care E-Learning Modules 5. Mental Health Foundation Modules Need something to suit your busy schedule? Explore our affordable, on-demand CPD library.

DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists

22 May 2025

DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recognises that health care providers play a key role in providing treatment for DVA clients. Occupational therapists are essential allied health professionals who provide services to clients who hold DVA Veteran Cards.

FAQ: Driving

14 May 2025

FAQ: Driving

Frequently asked questions about becoming a qualified driving OT.

Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement

14 May 2025

Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement

Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.

FAQ: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

8 May 2025

FAQ: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

See our FAQ on Continuing Professional Development.

Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses

6 May 2025

Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses

Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.

The enduring value of professional development for Occupational Therapists

4 May 2025

The enduring value of professional development for Occupational Therapists

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, professional development is not just a recommendation for occupational therapists – it is essential to ethical, safe and effective practice.

Federal Election 2025: OTA Scorecard and Summary

30 April 2025

Federal Election 2025: OTA Scorecard and Summary

Ahead of the 2025 federal election, OTA has compiled a summary of major party commitments relevant to occupational therapy practice and the broader allied health sector.

Spotlight on Aged Care: How we're advocating for our members

28 April 2025

Spotlight on Aged Care: How we're advocating for our members

OTA has raised concerns about the new arrangements for funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications when Support at Home commences 1 July 2025, and in particular the lifetime cap of $15,000 for Home Modifications in submissions to the Aged Care Rules.

Aged Care Media Release—Fed Election 2025

23 April 2025

Aged Care Media Release—Fed Election 2025

Experts warn that new funding reforms, set to take effect on July 1, may place many older Australians at increased risk of hospitalisation, early entry into residential care, and even death.

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

14 April 2025

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.

Workforce Development Project Findings Webinar

1 April 2025

Workforce Development Project Findings Webinar

OTA held a Member Update on the 21st May 2024, providing an overview of the project findings of the Workforce Development Project. The session was presented by Sarah Jones, Professional Practice Advisor. The workforce development plan was established using an evidence-based approach, drawing from multiple data sources and processes. This included an examination of occupational therapy workforce data, an examination of the national and international literature related to the occupational therapy workforce, an online national survey of registered occupational therapists and consultations with occupational therapists and key stakeholders. More information about the Workforce Development Project is available here.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Environmental Modifications

31 March 2025

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Environmental Modifications

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists working with Environmental Modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Assistive Technology

31 March 2025

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Assistive Technology

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists working with Assistive Technology (AT) across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Karen Jacobs Tour 2025

25 March 2025

Karen Jacobs Tour 2025

Join Dr. Karen Jacobs for a two-day workshop that will bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and practical clinical applications in occupational therapy.

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs

25 March 2025

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs (Essential Support Guide) outlines the minimum recommended supports that Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) advises for early career occupational therapists. The Essential Support Guide also identifies enabling factors that enhance the effectiveness of these minimum recommended supports and contribute to the success, job satisfaction, and retention of early career therapists in their roles.

Working with Interpreters: A Guide for Occupational Therapists

19 March 2025

Working with Interpreters: A Guide for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists should engage credentialed interpreters to communicate complex or technical information to clients with limited or no English language proficiency.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

19 February 2025

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

OTA 2025 Federal Election Toolkit

3 January 2025

OTA 2025 Federal Election Toolkit

OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities for the 2025 Australian Federal Election.

2025 Tina Champagne Webinars

18 December 2024

2025 Tina Champagne Webinars

After a sell-out national tour in June 2024, Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing back her expertise in Sensory Modulation, this time in the format of 7 live, 1-hour Webinars based on her Sensory Modulation Program.

Workforce

10 December 2024

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

2 December 2024

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.