Policy and Advocacy update – 14 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the launch of No OTs, No NDIS campaign, released of Federal budget 2026-2027 and many more.

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.

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.

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.

New OTA resource: Normal life is being disrupted (again)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

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.

Thriving Kids at Risk Without the Right Funding and Workforce Model

The interview highlighted the initiative’s potential while raising concerns about risks without proper funding and commissioning.

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.

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 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.

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.

About OTA’s CPD & Events

Learn from leading clinicians and academics while earning CPD hours to meet Ahpra requirements. Every completed activity is automatically recorded in your OTA CPD Tracker, with certificates included.

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.

Submission: Select Committee on Foundational and Disability Supports Available For Children and Young People In New South Wales

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the NSW Government’s approach to development of foundation supports for children and young people with disability, developmental delay or concerns.

Privacy Policy

Occupational Therapy Australia values highly the strong relationships we have with our customers. The collection of data at Occupational Therapy Australia is being handled with full and proper respect for the privacy of our customers. The data we collect is handled sensitively, securely and with proper regard to privacy. Occupational Therapy Australia does not disclose, distribute or sell the data we collect from our clients to third parties.

VicRoads: Peer Developed Testing Routes

A list of suggested driving test routes developed by occupational therapist driving assessors.

VicRoads: Testing Routes (2017-18)

A list of suggested driving test routes developed by OTA and VicRoads in 2017-18.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Record Keeping for Occupational Therapists

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Professional risks & responsibilities - Professional liability

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Professional risks & responsibilities - Privacy

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

News

Find all the latest news from OTA including our policy and advocacy updates.

About Us

We are Australia’s peak membership body for occupational therapy. We represent over 30,000 occupational therapists across Australia to empower their professional lives.