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

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.

Connections Winter 2025

Read Connections Winter 2025 edition here.

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.

OTA Submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee | Mental health outcomes for Queenslanders

OTA provided a submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee on their Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.

Media Release: With ramping surging, South Australia risks losing vital OT workforce over pay gap

Patients across South Australia could face longer wait times and reduced access to care as the state risks losing its vital occupational therapy workforce due to an unresolved and unfair pay gap.

Change to fitness to drive assessment requirements for ACT OTs

A new mandatory reporting requirement comes into force on 12 June 2025 for ACT health practitioners registered in the medical, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, optometry, and psychology professions.

Artistic expression for people with disability: AI to foster creativity

Among the most captivating and controversial technological advancements is the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) image generation tools. These sophisticated algorithms, capable of transforming text-based prompts into intricate visual imagery, are not merely a novelty; they represent a profound shift in how art is conceived and created and pose some significant ethical issues.

Submission: Select Committee on Foundational and Disability Supports Available For Children and Young People In New South Wales

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the NSW Government’s approach to development of foundation supports for children and young people with disability, developmental delay or concerns.

Perceptions of Occupational Therapy students on Mindfulness Interventions

This study will explore the perceptions of occupational therapy students about what mindfulness is, what interventions students are most likely to participate in, and what is the preferred design or structure of those interventions.

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.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 5

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

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

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.

Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement

Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.

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

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

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 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

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.

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.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

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

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

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

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.