NSW Thriving Kids EOI process: Momentum is building and we need to keep it going

The DCJ is exploring a procurement process for a private allied health practitioner panel, with further details expected in the second half of 2026.

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.

Research Survey: Exploring the skills and interventions of mental health occupational therapists

This survey is to understand OTs current practice - who they work with, what interventions and assessments they use, what models of OT they use and what are their challenges and barriers faced.

Stay smart online: How to use digital health systems safely and confidently

This article is the third and final instalment in our cyber health series to help OTs build confidence and stay safe online.

Logging into OTA Connect

How to log into OTA Connect to access member resources.

Strengthening cyber security in practice: simple steps for OTs

This second instalment focuses on practical steps you can take to strengthen your practice’s cybersecurity.

Policy and Advocacy update – 30 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIS reform update, OTA warnings about the NDIS reform, and many more.

Strengthening member workplace support with new HR partnership

Workplace issues can be complex, so OTA members get clear, practical advice from experts who understand the sector.

Stay smart online: Simple ways to protect your practice

As digital health becomes part of everyday practice, we’re sharing a short cyber health series to help OTs build confidence and stay safe.

No OTs; No NDIS: OTA’s response to recent NDIS and workforce commentary

You may have seen recent media coverage following comments from Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler about upcoming NDIS reforms and the expected “redistribution” of the allied health workforce away from the NDIS and into other sectors. We want to be clear with members about our position, what we’re concerned about, and what we’re calling for.

May Interest Group highlights: Guest speakers and upcoming sessions

Mark your calendars! OTA’s May’s Interest Group sessions are here to inspire, energise and connect you with like-minded OTs across Australia.

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.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

We invite you to review the draft and provide your feedback by completing this short survey.

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.

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.

Adult Health and Disability - Learning Hub

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

Across the lifespan - Learning Hub

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

Mental Health - Learning Hub

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

Occupational Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Occupational Therapy – FAQs provides clear answers to common queries about occupational therapy, understand its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and participation in daily life.

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.

Courses, Learning Modules & Programs

We offer a variety of on-demand, self-directed learning and development, covering a broad range of practice areas and topics.

OTA Mental Health Endorsement

The OTA Mental Health Endorsement program provides recognition of the additional knowledge, skills and experience of OTs focusing their scope of practice on mental health.