Federal Budget 2026–27: What it means for Occupational Therapy

Last night, the Treasurer handed down this Government’s fifth Federal Budget. Alongside property tax reform, NDIS reform is a central feature of this Budget, confirming the Government’s intention to significantly reshape eligibility, assessment, planning and access to services and supports. These changes will have material implications for occupational therapists and people they work with, particularly those working in disability, early childhood, psychosocial supports and aged care. This update provides OTA’s initial summary of Budget measures most relevant to the occupational therapy workforce. We will continue to analyse the detail as it becomes available and advocate on issues of concern to the profession.

Policy and Advocacy update – 7 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the update on Federal budget, OTA role in mental health strategy, 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.

Submission: OTA’s Federal Budget Submission 2026

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has submitted its Federal Budget Submission 2026, advocating for targeted government investments to support children, families, and the occupational therapy workforce across Australia.

OTA Morning Tea at Australia Parliament House, 2 February 2026

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter addresses members and stakeholders at a Morning Tea held at Australia’s Parliament House, highlighting the vital role of occupational therapy in supporting participation, wellbeing, and inclusive communities across the nation.

Policy and Advocacy update – 22 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a near-closing consultation to help shape fairer NDIS pricing, and an OTA call to support the Thriving Kids.

Policy and Advocacy update – 18 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a submission request for better NDIS pricing, updated ADL assessment requirements, and many more.

CEO Member Update - December 2025

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter shares an end-of-year message for the OTA community, reflecting on the year that was including important progress on reconciliation, the wide range of events and resources that strengthened connection across the profession, and national policy reforms with far-reaching impact.

Policy and Advocacy update - 11 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including algorithm-driven NDIS support needs assessments, a call for input from AOPA, changes to Better Access, and many more.

Connections Summer 2025

Connections Summer 2025 edition celebrates OT Week 2025, the launch of OTA's Innovate RAP, Advocacy update, NDIS reforms in action, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 4 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIA opens consultation, findings on Ahpra’s registration fee model, and many more.

OT Week 2025 Celebration Pack

Join the OT Week 2025 celebrations with our free resources!

OT Week 2025

OT Week is our biggest annual celebration of the extraordinary impact occupational therapists make every day.

Federal Election Marginal Seats

With the Federal Election now underway, this is a critical opportunity to ensure occupational therapy is prioritised by candidates and political parties

Monash: Early Vocational Rehabilitation Webinar (July 2024)

In July 2024, OTA hosted a Member Session: Towards Work – Early vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, multi-trauma orthopaedic injuries or spinal cord injury by Dr Pam Ross and Yash Bedekar.

OTA Constitution (2024)

The Constitution for Occupational Therapy Australia Limited, endorsed at Occupational Therapy Australia Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2024.

Workforce Development Project Summary Report (2024)

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 a summary of the key findings, details of the data analysis, and key priorities that were provided to OTA.