Occupational Therapy Australia calls for person-centered approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Today, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms in a significant pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club in Canberra. OTA is on the ground at the National Press Club today, with our CEO Sam Hunter ensuring OTs are firmly in the frame as NDIS reform takes centre stage.

Research Study: Early-career OTs transitioning to specialty practice

This study seeks to explore transitions by early career occupational therapists into areas of specialty practice, from the perspectives of both early career and experienced occupational therapists.

Rethinking Dementia Care: Occupational Therapists making a difference with Positive Approach to Care

Across Australia, OTs working with older adults often feel they could better connect, reduce distress, and support independence in dementia care—it’s a practice gap, not a knowledge gap.

Stronger Together: United on the road ahead during disability reform

OTA has taken a measured approach, focusing on stakeholder engagement and behind-the-scenes policy influence.

Dave Jereb to deliver OTA Oration Keynote at OT Exchange Brisbane 2026

Occupational Therapy Australia announces Dave Jereb as the OTA Oration recipient, presenting at OT Exchange Brisbane this June.

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.

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.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal - Call for Editorial Board Members

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ), the official research publication of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), invites expressions of interest from OTA members for positions on its Editorial Board.

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.

Seeking EOIS for our State and Territory Advisory Councils

If you are passionate about shaping the future of occupational therapy in your state or territory, we would love to hear from you!

Policy and Advocacy update - 30 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIS Psychosocial Access, The New Aged Care Act, and many more.

New Editor-in-Chief Appointed for the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of **Professor Angus Buchanan** as the next Editor-in-Chief of the *Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)*.

Policy and Advocacy update - 23 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy developments this week and what they mean for you.

Understanding the Support at Home Program - Preparing to work in Support at Home

This practice resource provides a summary of key features of the Support at Home Program. This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Please note that this content is general in nature and does not constitute legal or business advice. We strongly encourage individuals to seek their own independent legal and business advice regarding their own arrangements and to directly engage with the source resources to clarify the information provided.

Understanding the Support at Home Short Term Programs - Restorative Care Pathway

This practice resource provides a summary of the Restorative Care Pathway under the new Support at Home Program. This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Please note that this content does not reflect the views of OTA, nor does it constitute legal or business advice. We strongly encourage individuals to seek their own independent legal and business advice regarding their own arrangements and to directly engage with the source resources to clarify the information provided.

NDIS - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on NDIS, 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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

FAQ: Ahpra Registration Queries including Returning to Practice

See Frequently Asked Questions about Ahpra registration here.

OT School of Victoria Clinical Award

In 2019, trustees of the OT Trust Fund donated funds to OTA, which established the Occupational Therapy School of Victoria Clinical Award. The award aims to promote advancement in clinical practice by supporting members of OTA to engage in clinical-based projects or studies.

OT Notification Navigator Service

Full-Time, Part-Time and New Graduate members who receive a notification from industry regulators can utilise this service to access guidance from a qualified Occupational Therapist about how to navigate the notification process.

History

Occupational Therapy Australia was formed in 2009 after national members voted to consolidate all divisions within the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) to form Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.