27 March 2025
Mid-Career Researcher Award
This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.
27 March 2025
Early Career Researcher Award
This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.
26 March 2025
OTA Post-Budget Analysis 2025-26
Read the analysis of the Budget that is relevant to Occupational Therapy. Read OTA’s media release. As anticipated, this was a shorter, more targeted budget. Just three weeks ago the Government had been expected to announce an election and forego a Federal Budget until after the next election.
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.
20 March 2025
2025-26 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
The 2025-26 Federal Budget presents a real opportunity for the Australian Government to commit to investing in the allied health workforce, improving the overall health system in particular critical sectors like disability, primary care, mental health and aged care. This commitment would enhance access to essential services and support the development of a more robust and sustainable healthcare infrastructure for all Australians.
19 March 2025
2024-25 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
OTA has prepared a Pre-Budget Submission as part of its annual budget consultation process. OTA has identified five key areas for government attention in the 2024-2025 financial year, to support occupational therapists to improve the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.
12 March 2025
OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!
With the 2025 Federal Election fast approaching, now is the time to advocate for occupational therapy. OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities.
5 March 2025
Meeting Your Local Member Guide
This guide is designed to support Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members in preparing for one-on-one meetings with their local federal election candidates. It provides practical advice on how to prepare, conduct, and follow up after a meeting to effectively advocate for the occupational therapy profession ahead of the 2025 federal election.
4 March 2025
OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service
OTA was invited to meet with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss our submission to the Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service list. The Chief OT, Michelle Oliver and senior OTA policy staff met with the Department on Monday 3 March.
4 March 2025
OTA's 2025 Federal Election Playbook
The OTA 2025 Federal Election Playbook is a key resource for OTA members, OTs, supporters of the profession, and government officials seeking to understand and shape policies that impact healthcare, disability, aged care, mental health, veteran care and workforce planning from the perspective of the occupational therapy profession.
27 February 2025
Mental Health Endorsement Application Guide
Download the Mental Health Endorsement Application Guide here.
27 February 2025
Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary
Download the Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary form here.
26 February 2025
Mental Health Endorsement Audit Guidelines
As an endorsed mental health occupational therapist, you are required to undertake activities to develop and maintain your mental health expertise in order to maintain your endorsement. OTA is required to ensure that all endorsed practitioners adhere to these requirements through regular audits.
26 February 2025
OTA's 2025 Federal Election Statement
The 2025 Federal Election is a critical opportunity to invest in the allied health workforce and strengthen healthcare services. This Statement outlines 27 strategic calls to action essential for addressing pressing issues. A detailed breakdown of each ask is available in OTA’s 2025 Federal Election Playbook.
25 February 2025
Evidence-Based Care for Cognitive & Psychosocial Impacts of TBI
This survey examines practices, gaps, and barriers in cognitive and psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI.
17 February 2025
Maximizing Occupational Therapy in Residential Aged Care: Barriers & Enablers
This project aims to understand barriers and enablers to maximising occupational therapy's contribution in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
13 February 2025
Exploring perceptions of the allied health role in palliative and end of life care
This study aims to explore how allied health professionals work with older adults receiving palliative care and at end of life, in Australia; what unique input the various disciplines can offer, and what learning or professional development informs clinical practice.
13 February 2025
WFOT International Research Engagement of Occupational Therapists
To determine the level of research engagement across occupational therapists who are members of their local OT associations internationally that are associated with WFOT.
12 February 2025
Capability Framework for 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.
15 January 2025
PHN: Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework
The National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework seeks to define the scope and role of PHN engagement with Allied Health, in line with the above shared leadership approach.
18 December 2024
OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025

5 December 2024
Early Career Support

3 October 2024
Capability Frameworks
Occupational Therapy Australia’s capability frameworks propose what best practice looks like in a particular area across the career pathway. Each framework outlines a set of capabilities that occupational therapists may use in their area of practice at the foundational, intermediate or senior practitioner level.

16 September 2024
Aged Care
OTA are actively working towards a better Aged Care sector that supports our profession to deliver the high quality, specialised services our older population want and need.