NDIS & Disability update: How we're advocating for our members

The upcoming Federal election and ongoing reforms to the NDIS has led to several opportunities to advocate on behalf of the occupational therapy profession. OTA has met with Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth’s office to advance our calls to action ahead of the Federal election and provided feedback to the NDIA on its approach to developing support needs assessments. Read about how we’ve been collaborating.

Tasmania welcomes its first occupational therapy course as national shortage intensifies

In a major milestone for Tasmania’s healthcare and education sectors, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) will welcome its first-ever cohort of occupational therapy (OT) students in July 2025, finally offering local students the opportunity to train, live and work in their home state.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding and addressing suicidality and self-harm after acquired brain injury

This project aims to understand the experiences, needs, and preferences of individuals with ABI, clinicians, and researchers in addressing self-injurious thoughts and behaviours after injury.

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.

CEO Member Update December 2024

Hear from OTA CEO Samantha Hunter as she shares the latest updates on NDIS news, various policy and advocacy initiatives, upcoming events and the latest in CPD.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Record Keeping for Occupational Therapists

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

DHAC: National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management

The Action Plan will provide a key step towards a national and holistic policy framework that will support consumers, health practitioners and the wider community to improve the quality of life for people living with pain, their families and carers and minimise its impact.

OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025

Occupational Therapy National Workforce Data Report (2023)

In 2023 OTA commissioned a significant workforce development project which aimed to formulate a workforce development plan in partnership with the occupational therapy profession. This report provides details of the data analysis that was provided to OTA. This analysis was prepared for the purpose of understanding the key trends across the Occupational Therapy (OT) workforce for the development of the Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Workforce Plan.