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.

Policy and Advocacy update – 29 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the inaugural hosting of OTA Morning Tea, Mental Health Continuum of Care, and many more.

February Interest Groups - 2026

Mark your calendars! It’s time to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers in our February Interest Groups sessions.

Policy and Advocacy update – 22 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a near-closing consultation to help shape fairer NDIS pricing, and an OTA call to support the Thriving Kids.

Policy and Advocacy update – 18 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a submission request for better NDIS pricing, updated ADL assessment requirements, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update - 11 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including algorithm-driven NDIS support needs assessments, a call for input from AOPA, changes to Better Access, and many more.

Connections Summer 2025

Connections Summer 2025 edition celebrates OT Week 2025, the launch of OTA's Innovate RAP, Advocacy update, NDIS reforms in action, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 4 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIA opens consultation, findings on Ahpra’s registration fee model, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 20 November 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including updates on Thriving Kids and Aged Care services, a report on the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, and many more.

Department of Health Disability and Ageing - Support at Home for Allied Health professionals

This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

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.

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.

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.

Submission: Productivity Commission – Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

In this interim report, the Productivity Commission presents its initial findings and draft recommendations.

Submission: Productivity Commission Interim Report on Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

The Productivity Commission (PC) has been asked by the Australian Government to conduct the final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

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.

Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement

Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.

FAQ: Allied Health Assistants

Allied health assistants must work under the direct clinical oversight and supervision of a qualified OT. See a full list of FAQs here.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit

The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Primary Health

We advocate for the crucial role that OTs play in an effective primary health system that embraces the spectrum of the allied health workforce.

Mental Health

We advocate to raise awareness of the important role of occupational therapists in providing mental health services. We call for increased visibility, funding and opportunities for mental health OTs.