Policy and Advocacy update – 21 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the updates about No OTs, No NDIS campaign, EOI for Thriving Kids and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 14 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the launch of No OTs, No NDIS campaign, released of Federal budget 2026-2027 and many more.

Thriving Kids Initiative - May 2026

This document is intended to be a live document that outlines OTA's policy positions and recommendations for Governments as the Thriving Kids Initiative is developed and rolled out.

NSW Thriving Kids EOI process: Momentum is building and we need to keep it going

The DCJ is exploring a procurement process for a private allied health practitioner panel, with further details expected in the second half of 2026.

No OTs, No NDIS 

No OTs, No NDIS is a OTA campaign responding to NDIS reforms that are limiting access to essential occupational therapy supports and impacting participants, families and communities.

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.

Thriving Kids: Where things stand - Major NSW update and consultations in Tasmania and WA

Thriving Kids will roll out differently across jurisdictions, with major implications for OTs and the children and families they support, particularly through varying funding and commissioning models.

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.

Policy and Advocacy update – 30 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIS reform update, OTA warnings about the NDIS reform, and many more.

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.

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.

OTA Policy Submissions

OTA’s submissions represent the collective expertise, experience, and perspectives of occupational therapists across Australia, with the goal of advancing the profession across the diverse sectors in which OTs work.

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.

OTA Submission: NDIS Rules – Public consultation on New Framework Planning

OTA have submitted formal feedback to Government calling for: the release of the Exposure Draft.

International Speaker Tour 2026 - Greg Santucci

Join internationally recognised paediatric occupational therapist Greg Santucci (USA) for an exclusive national tour in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Submission: National Disability Insurance Agency | 2026 Annual Pricing Review Consultation

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for a decisive pricing adjustment to stabilise and strengthen the occupational therapy market under the NDIS. Read for more.

Psychosocial Practice v Mental Health OT

Learn more about the distinction between psychosocial practice and mental health occupational therapy.

What is Mental Health OT?

Learn more about how mental health occupational therapists support people with complex mental health diagnoses.

OTA Submission: Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Review of the Aged Care Rules

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this review and to bring to the Committee’s attention a number of concerning aspects of funding arrangements under the new Support at Home program.

OTA Submission: Senate Inquiry into transition of CHSP to Support at Home

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to Senate Inquiry into the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to the Support at Home Program (the Inquiry) and to highlight several significant concerns relating to the new Support at Home program.

NDIS - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on NDIS, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

Palliative Care - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Palliative Care, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

Paediatrics - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Paediatrics, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

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.

State and Territory Advisory Councils

State and Territory Advisory Councils are advisory councils of OTA members from across states and territories to bring voice to local and state-based issues affecting occupational therapists and communities. Advisory Councils provide pivotal intelligence to inform OTA of the opportunities, emerging issues, and changing landscape to enable OTA to be responsive to all of our members' needs, no matter where they reside.

Foundational Supports

OTA are working to support and advance the critical role that OTs will play in the design and delivery of foundational supports. As this reform process continues, we will provide updates on opportunities for consultation and advocacy. We will also offer guidance to support coordinated advocacy efforts across the sector and ensure our profession is well represented in these changes.