Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses

Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.

Spotlight on Aged Care: How we're advocating for our members

OTA has raised concerns about the new arrangements for funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications when Support at Home commences 1 July 2025, and in particular the lifetime cap of $15,000 for Home Modifications in submissions to the Aged Care Rules.

Aged Care Media Release—Fed Election 2025

Experts warn that new funding reforms, set to take effect on July 1, may place many older Australians at increased risk of hospitalisation, early entry into residential care, and even death.

May Interest Groups for your calendar

In May we have a wide range of interest groups and topics for you to choose from. We’d love to see you there! Interest groups bring together OTs focused on different areas of practice to discuss relevant topics and new developments. The meetings offer peer and expert support, networking and learning opportunities.

Share your story in Connections Magazine!

We are calling for articles for the Winter 2025 issue of Connections that showcase our members’ expertise and important developments in occupational therapy. Connections is our print and digital quarterly magazine, and is a unique opportunity for members to connect and communicate with peers in our passionate OTA community.

New release: Mental Health Capability Framework

OTA has released an update of our Mental Health Capability Framework, with new content relating to ageing and life transitions and development and life stage assessments.

NDIS & Disability update: How we're advocating for our members

The upcoming Federal election and ongoing reforms to the NDIS has led to several opportunities to advocate on behalf of the occupational therapy profession. OTA has met with Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth’s office to advance our calls to action ahead of the Federal election and provided feedback to the NDIA on its approach to developing support needs assessments. Read about how we’ve been collaborating.

Tasmania welcomes its first occupational therapy course as national shortage intensifies

In a major milestone for Tasmania’s healthcare and education sectors, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) will welcome its first-ever cohort of occupational therapy (OT) students in July 2025, finally offering local students the opportunity to train, live and work in their home state.

OTA Federal Budget response

On Tuesday 25 March, the Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget. OTA has prepared an analysis and published a response, calling out the omission of OTs in the budget.

The Federal Election has been called: Advocate for OTs now!

The Federal Election has been called for 3 May 2025. Now is the time to advocate for the OT profession. OTA's toolkit will empower you to advocate. The profession is stronger together.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Consumers

A comprehensive guide for consumers has been developed by the Department of Transport with input from topic experts and other stakeholders.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to collaborate with Road Safety Victoria (Department of Transport) and other community, health, disability and industry stakeholders to bring these valuable resources to our members. The resources aim to equip OTs to deliver consistent evidence-based care for users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, and to engage with other health professionals and agencies to optimise outcomes for clients and their families. Each year, over 1,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to incidents involving mobility scooters. Road safety issues are critical to consider in assessment, training and monitoring for both the user and other community members.

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.

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test Toolkit

A collection of resources to assist OT driver assessors.

VicRoads: Road Safety Victoria -Occupational Therapy Driving Test Webinar Series (2020)

This 3 part series in completing on road driving assessments in Victoria were developed as part of a VicRoads and Road Safety Victoria Department of Transport project.

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test - Assessment Manual (March 2018)

This manual has been compiled by VicRoads to provide OT driver assessors with clear and precise guidance on VicRoads criteria for testing whether a person is able to drive safely, legally and independently and meets the requirements for a Victorian licence, detailed guidance on the type and number of driving tasks that should be included in a licence test route and where in the route they should occur, and additional information concerning testing procedures.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Exposure to COVID-19 in the Course of Your Employment

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

Position Statement: Evidence-Based Practice (2019)

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key element of best practice in occupational therapy. This position paper covers what evidence based practice is, the rationale for using EBP, the different contexts for use and the responsibilities of occupational therapists, employers, and the wider profession for the use of, and contribution to, EBP.

Evidence-Based Practice Position Statement | January 2019

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key element of best practice in occupational therapy. This position paper covers what evidence based practice is, the rationale for using EBP, the different contexts for use and the responsibilities of occupational therapists, employers, and the wider profession for the use of, and contribution to, EBP.

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