October Interest Groups 2026

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our October Interest Groups.

Policy and Advocacy update – 3 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIS survey extension, updates to the Inclusive Communities Fund, and many more.

Sylvia Docker Lectureship Award 2026

The Sylvia Docker Lectureship honours an occupational therapist who has made an outstanding and inspirational contribution to the profession through their practice, research, education or management.

Policy and Advocacy update – 27 August 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including TAC recommendations for complex injuries, the Thriving Kids call, and many more.

Guide to making a submission to the DVA Annual Report inquiry

OTA is preparing a submission to the inquiry into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) 2024–25 Annual Report.

Policy and Advocacy update – 20 August 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the date the NDIS survey closes, the aged care assessments, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 13 August 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the last call to complete the NDIS survey, the Thriving Kids initiative, and many more.

Board Director Nominees 2026

We are pleased to announce your Board Director Nominees for 2026. Cast your vote now!

Policy and Advocacy update – 6 August 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including supports that'll benefit NDIS beneficiary, NDIS Amendment Bill, and many more.

September Interest Groups 2026

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our September Interest Groups.

Connections Spring 2026 - references

Policy and Advocacy update – 30 July 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including OTA to represent the profession to Senate Inquiry on NDIS Amendment Bill, NSW Thriving Kids petition, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 23 July 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the update on Commonwealth Prac Payment, NSW Thriving Kids petition, and many more.

OTA Submission: Psychosocial supports advice and actions for Government

OTA established an Expert Advisory Group for Psychosocial Foundational Supports (EAG), comprising twenty highly experienced occupational therapists working across a range of public, non-government and private psychosocial services.

Australian competency standards for OT driver assessors 2026

A comprehensive guide to the standards which represent the knowledge, skills, and attributes which the profession considers necessary for driver trained occupational therapists to provide quality assessment and rehabilitation service for drivers with functional impairments.

OTA Submission: NSW Workers Compensation Reform regulations and guidelines

OTA have made a submission to SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) in NSW around the state's Workers Compensation reforms, focused on the strong role occupational therapists play in psychosocial recovery, vocational rehabilitation, and return-to-work planning.

OTA Submission: IHACPA for the pricing framework for support at home Aged Care services

OTA recommend pricing for Support at Home should align to evidence-based business overheads that Occupational Therapists must factor into their operating budgets.

NDIS Amendment Bill 2026 - OTA Submission

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Guide to making a submission on the NDIS Future Generations Bill

The Australian Parliament is considering the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Connections Winter 2026 - references

Thriving Kids initiative - May 2026

This document is intended to be a live document that outlines OTA's policy positions and recommendations for Governments as the Thriving Kids Initiative is developed and rolled out.

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.

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.

Member Update: Aged care reform implementation (March 2026)

Watch the recorded updates on the implementation of aged care sector reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025.

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.

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.

OT Week 2026

OT Week is our annual celebration of the extraordinary impact occupational therapists make every day. This year’s theme, Participation Matters, puts a spotlight on one of the foundations of occupational therapy – the understanding that being able to participate in life is fundamental to our health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Connections submissions

Share your expertise with the OTA community. Submit your article to Connections magazine and connect with peers across the occupational therapy profession.