Policy & Advocacy update – 28 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including major changes to the NDIS, advocacy in Canberra and many more.

All in for National Reconciliation Week 2026

At Occupational Therapy Australia, reconciliation is central to our commitment to culturally safe practice. We work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through advocacy, partnerships, cultural learning and ongoing reflection.

Policy and Advocacy update – 21 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the updates about No OTs, No NDIS campaign, EOI for Thriving Kids and many more.

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.

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.

June Interest Groups

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

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.

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.

Policy and Advocacy update – 23 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the announcement on NDIS reform, an update on Veterans' home care, and many more.

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.

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.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

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

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.

Early Career Launchpad

Launch into your new career path with confidence! OTA's Early Career Support is the place to connect with your peers and your profession, develop your professional skills, discover and access the benefits of OTA membership, and find answers to common questions about working in OT.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 20 November at 1.00pm AEDT.

Palliative Care - Learning Hub

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

Aged Care - Learning Hub

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

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Workforce

We know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for the occupational therapy profession, such as attracting and retaining OTs. To address these challenges, we've consulted with our members to develop a workforce development plan.

Workforce Development Project

Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.

Capability Frameworks

Occupational Therapy Australia’s capability frameworks propose what best practice looks like in a particular area across the career pathway. Each framework outlines a set of capabilities that occupational therapists may use in their area of practice at the foundational, intermediate or senior practitioner level.

Aged Care

OTA are actively working towards a better Aged Care sector that supports our profession to deliver the high quality, specialised services our older population want and need.