Policy and Advocacy update – 23 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the announcement on NDIS reform, an update on Veterans' home care, and many more.

New OTA resource: Normal life is being disrupted (again)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for person-centered approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Today, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms in a significant pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club in Canberra. OTA is on the ground at the National Press Club today, with our CEO Sam Hunter ensuring OTs are firmly in the frame as NDIS reform takes centre stage.

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.

Research Study: Early-career OTs transitioning to specialty practice

This study seeks to explore transitions by early career occupational therapists into areas of specialty practice, from the perspectives of both early career and experienced occupational therapists.

Research Survey: Parents and Caregivers priorities for occupational therapy

The research explores perspectives on the priorities of caregivers and Occupational Therapists when working with a child and their families.

Research Study: TBI vocational rehabilitation training package

The study aims to co-design a TBI vocational rehabilitation (VR) training package with allied health clinicians, ensuring it is practical, relevant, and aligned with real-world needs.

Policy and Advocacy update – 16 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIS Integrity Inquiry final call for submissions, upcoming webinars, and many more.

Rethinking Dementia Care: Occupational Therapists making a difference with Positive Approach to Care

Across Australia, OTs working with older adults often feel they could better connect, reduce distress, and support independence in dementia care—it’s a practice gap, not a knowledge gap.

Policy & Advocacy update – 9 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the recent media coverage about NDIS reform, updates on QCAT Act Review, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 2 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including Victorian Election Advisory Group's expression of interest closing soon, easy to find the OTA’s policy submissions, and many more.

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.

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.

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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.

Maintaining Mental Health Endorsement

Endorsed occupational therapists must continue to meet a minimum threshold of supervision, CPD and other requirements to maintain endorsement. Learn more.

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.

OTA’s South Australian State Election 2026 Campaign

The SA state election will be held on 21 March 2026. MPs are finalising commitments now. A short message from local constituents helps put occupational therapy workforce solutions on the agenda.

On-Demand Learning Hub

To explore OTA’s full range of CPD & Events - including live and on-demand learning - visit Search all CPD & Events.

About OTA’s CPD & Events

Learn from leading clinicians and academics while earning CPD hours to meet Ahpra requirements. Every completed activity is automatically recorded in your OTA CPD Tracker, with certificates included.

Plan your CPD for 2026

Plan your professional development, build momentum for the year ahead, and invest in your professional growth to OTX 2026. Join now!

Practice Resource: Occupational Therapy and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

This resource helps occupational therapists (OTs) and key stakeholders understand the specific ways the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards relate to occupational therapy scope of practice.

OTA Leadership Program 2026

Step into your next chapter as a leader. Join OTA’s 2026 Leadership Program with Donna Markham OAM to grow your confidence, clarity and influence.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 20 November at 1.00pm AEDT.

Pain - Learning Hub

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