Advocacy and policy update for 7 August 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including Aged Care Indicative Pricing, Medicare Benefits, WorkCover WA updates and more.

Advocating for improved access to occupational therapy services through Medicare

OTA is calling for better access to Medicare funded OT services for those with chronic conditions.

The power of connection: Why CPD Empower delivers more than learning

OTA Chief Occupational Therapist Michelle Oliver reflects on why CPD is so important, not only for staying current in our field, but for reigniting that sense of purpose and professional pride that brought many of us to occupational therapy in the first place.

Consultation on Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission in relation to targeted foundational supports - Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin.

Submission: Productivity Commission Interim Report on Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

The Productivity Commission (PC) has been asked by the Australian Government to conduct the final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

Advocacy and policy update for 31 July 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NIDS Supports lists developments & travel claiming support; WA and Qld compensation schemes changes and more

Submission: Department of Social Services consultation on NDIS Supports rule

OTA's submission provides feedback on the overall approach outlined in the NDIS Supports Lists, and specific inclusions and omissions in specific lists, which is detailed in this content.

MEDIA RELEASE: OTA backs calls to end placement poverty

OTA has called on the Federal Government to end placement poverty for students, backing Allied Health Professions Australia’s campaign to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to include all allied health students.

Step into a CPD experience designed to move you forward

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to present CPD Empower – a national CPD event series designed to advance your practice and supercharge your professional growth.

Foundational Supports for Children - OTA advice to governments paper

The Foundational Supports for Children – Advice and actions for governments document has been developed by Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) in close collaboration with the occupational therapy community.

SA OTs secure stronger EBA

A new standalone Allied Health EBA has been endorsed by 80.1% of voters, delivering a 13.5% pay rise and improved conditions for South Australia’s allied health workforce.

Foundational Supports & NDIS: Release of Grattan Institute report

The Grattan Institute released a report last week, Saving the NDIS. This adds to the literature informing the NDIS reform landscape that OTs are navigating and will continue to navigate as services for children with developmental delay and disability, and for people with psychosocial disability transition to Foundational Supports.

FAQ: OTA NDIS Pricing Campaign

This FAQ provides answers to common questions about OTA's NDIS Pricing Campaign, including key issues raised, advocacy efforts, and how occupational therapists can support fair and sustainable pricing under the NDIS.

CPD Empower

Face-to-face CPD workshops for OTs in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Choose your stream, earn CPD hours, and build skills in specialist practice areas.

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.

NDIS Pricing Campaign

OTA needs your voice. The NDIA’s frozen pricing is unsustainable. We’re calling for fair funding now - before more OTs leave the workforce. Join the campaign.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement

Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.

FAQ: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

See our FAQ on Continuing Professional Development.

Search all CPD & Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

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.

CPD and Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.