Policy and Advocacy update – 22 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the Child-safe practice in occupational therapy, indexation-based increases to the current Allied Health fee schedule, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 15 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the OTA's response to New Framework Planning and NDIS supports, Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program updates, and many more.

Research Study: Occupational therapy practice with children who have complex needs

This study aims to better understand how occupational therapists work with children five years of age and under with complex needs here in Australia.

Thriving Kids: What does it mean for occupational therapists?

Following the Australian Government’s launch of Thriving Kids, many occupational therapists are considering what the changes mean for their work, the families they support, and the future of OT in this space. Explore what we know so far, what it means for OT practice, and practical steps you can take now to prepare for the changes ahead.

Policy and Advocacy update – 8 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIA update on claims for supports, OTA submission on NDIS access reform, and many more.

OTA Submission: NDIS Access Reform

OTA supports the Department's move to a more consistent, evidence-based NDIS access process. Drawing on the clinical expertise of occupational therapists, this submission makes 27 recommendations across six areas: guiding principles, decision-making design, administrative burden, diverse cohorts, permanence and transition.

Policy and Advocacy update – 1 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including an update on Thriving Kids initiatives, funding changes for NDIS supports, and many more.

National Thriving Kids update

OTA ran the Thriving Kids update across Australia, with each state and territory developing locally tailored supports for children and their families.

World Mental Health Day 2026: Together We Thrive

Join Occupational Therapy Australia for World Mental Health Day 2026 and discover how occupational therapists support mental health, connection and meaningful participation.

OT Mental Health Forum 2026 - Thank You

See you at the OT Mental Health Forum 2026 in Canberra!

Connections Spring 2026

The Spring issue of Connections is now available for OTA members. This issue explores what it takes to thrive as an OT in an evolving profession, with fresh thinking on practice, wellbeing, innovation and the issues shaping occupational therapy today.

It’s time to talk about occupational therapy and dementia

Dementia Action Week (21–27 September) is an opportunity to raise awareness of dementia and highlight the vital role of occupational therapists in supporting everyday participation and independence.

NDIS reforms submission guidelines

A practical guide to help occupational therapists understand the NDIS reforms and make informed submissions, highlighting the potential impacts on OT practice, participants and access to essential services.

Generative AI in OT practice Interest Group

This Interest Group is open to all OTA members working in or with an interest in the area of Generative AI.

Mastering generative AI: Advanced tools & techniques for OTs

This advanced workshop is for OTs who are already confident with the basics of generative AI and are ready to explore more sophisticated tools and real-world applications to support and streamline their work.

Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

A practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help occupational therapists confidently get started with generative AI and apply it safely and effectively in everyday practice.

Thriving Kids Need OTs

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.

Getting job ready with Clare Jones, Director at MediRecruit

Get job-ready with practical career insights, application tips, and interview advice from Clare Jones at MediRecruit.

Short Course: Safe and effective AI use in OT practice

This short 15-minute course expands on Safe AI use in OT practice. It covers the types of AI being used in OT practice, how to implement AI use, regulation of AI tools, and how to ensure you are meeting your professional obligations.

Thank you for your participation!

Thank you for input in our workforce survey!

Social Media Day of Action

Tools to assist your CPD planning

By planning your CPD early, you’ll feel confident, organised and ready to make the most of the year ahead.

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.

No OTs, No NDIS 

No OTs, No NDIS is a OTA campaign responding to NDIS reforms that are limiting access to essential occupational therapy supports and impacting participants, families and communities.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 12 November at 12.30pm AEDT.

Professional and Practice Skills - Learning Hub

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

State and Territory Advisory Councils

State and Territory Advisory Councils are advisory councils of OTA members from across states and territories to bring voice to local and state-based issues affecting occupational therapists and communities. Advisory Councils provide pivotal intelligence to inform OTA of the opportunities, emerging issues, and changing landscape to enable OTA to be responsive to all of our members' needs, no matter where they reside.

Practice Essentials

OTA’s Practice Essentials are self-directed, online learning modules designed to help you meet the demands of your practice area – with confidence and competence – at the foundational level.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.