Exploring general practitioners' perspectives on Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

9 July 2025

Exploring general practitioners' perspectives on Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

The aim of this research is to investigate general practitioners' perspectives on occupational therapy's role in mental health care, and the perspectives of occupational therapists providing services under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme (BAMHS).

FAQ: OTA NDIS Pricing Campaign

7 July 2025

FAQ: OTA NDIS Pricing Campaign

This FAQ provides answers to common questions about OTA's NDIS Pricing Campaign, including key issues raised, advocacy efforts, and how occupational therapists can support fair and sustainable pricing under the NDIS.

Board Director and WFOT Delegate Nominations Now Open

7 July 2025

Board Director and WFOT Delegate Nominations Now Open

Board Nominations are now open until 5.00pm (AEST) Wednesday 30 July 2025.

National Conference & Exhibition 2025 Gallery

3 July 2025

National Conference & Exhibition 2025 Gallery

The recently held OTAUS 2025 brought together occupational therapy professionals from across Australia to share insights, celebrate achievements, and explore the future of practice through workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities.

NDIA pricing advocacy update

3 July 2025

NDIA pricing advocacy update

OTA has continued our advocacy efforts this week including a range of significant meetings, leading to some important commitments from MPs and NDIA stakeholder.

The role of occupational therapists in mainstream secondary schools

1 July 2025

The role of occupational therapists in mainstream secondary schools

The study is about exploring the roles of occupational therapists who are directly-employed (school-employed) within mainstream secondary schools.

OTA incorrect statement published in error

25 June 2025

OTA incorrect statement published in error

Earlier today an incorrect statement about the NDIS travel rate cut was posted in error on the OTA website.

Thousands join our call for fair NDIS pay

23 June 2025

Thousands join our call for fair NDIS pay

OTA has launched a coordinated, strategic campaign in response to the devastating NDIS decision to halve travel rates and continue freezing hourly pay for occupational therapists. We're fighting this decision on every front and will continue to take strong action to advocate for OTs and access to vital services for NDIS participants.

Allied Health NDIS price cuts joint public statement 2025

20 June 2025

Allied Health NDIS price cuts joint public statement 2025

The Australian Physiotherapy Association, Dietitians Australia, Australian Podiatry Association, Speech Pathology Australia, Occupational Therapy Australia, the Australian Psychological Society, Exercise & Sports Science Australia and Osteopathy Australia are calling on the Federal Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to immediately halt and review the NDIS pricing decision which poses a direct threat to essential supports and choice for people with disability.

NDIS Pricing Campaign

13 June 2025

NDIS Pricing Campaign

OTA needs your voice. The NDIA’s frozen pricing is unsustainable. We’re calling for fair funding now - before more OTs leave the workforce. Join the campaign.

Media Release. No relief for OTs: NDIS price freeze enters seventh year with services at breaking point

11 June 2025

Media Release. No relief for OTs: NDIS price freeze enters seventh year with services at breaking point

Thousands of NDIS participants are facing longer waitlists and reduced access to critical occupational therapy services after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today confirmed that therapy support prices will remain frozen into a seventh consecutive year.

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.

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: NDIS

21 May 2025

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

Changes to NDIS plans: New funding periods

20 May 2025

Changes to NDIS plans: New funding periods

NDIA has announced that from the week of 19 May, NDIS plans will include new ‘funding periods’ which will govern the timeframes of when participants can receive plan funds.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit

22 April 2025

Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit

The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.

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.

Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

1 April 2025

Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

OTA made a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Final Review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, which is due to expire in June 2026.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Environmental and Home Modifications

31 March 2025

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Environmental and Home Modifications

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting with environmental and home modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Assistive Technology

31 March 2025

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Assistive Technology

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

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

24 March 2025

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.

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.