Exploring general practitioners' perspectives on Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

The aim of this research is to investigate general practitioners' perspectives on occupational therapy's role in mental health care, and the perspectives of occupational therapists providing services under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme (BAMHS).

Foundational Supports & NDIS: Release of Grattan Institute report

The Grattan Institute released a report last week, Saving the NDIS. This adds to the literature informing the NDIS reform landscape that OTs are navigating and will continue to navigate as services for children with developmental delay and disability, and for people with psychosocial disability transition to Foundational Supports.

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.

The role of occupational therapists in mainstream secondary schools

The study is about exploring the roles of occupational therapists who are directly-employed (school-employed) within mainstream secondary schools.

Changes to allied health referrals under the Medicare CDM program

From 1 July 2025, there will be changes to the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Program that affect how allied health providers receive referrals

Thousands join our call for fair NDIS pay

OTA has launched a coordinated, strategic campaign in response to the devastating NDIS decision to halve travel rates and continue freezing hourly pay for occupational therapists. We're fighting this decision on every front and will continue to take strong action to advocate for OTs and access to vital services for NDIS participants.

Allied Health NDIS Price Cuts Joint Public Statement 2025

The Australian Physiotherapy Association, Dietitians Australia, Australian Podiatry Association, Speech Pathology Australia, Occupational Therapy Australia, the Australian Psychological Society, Exercise & Sports Science Australia and Osteopathy Australia are calling on the Federal Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to immediately halt and review the NDIS pricing decision which poses a direct threat to essential supports and choice for people with disability.

Connections submissions

Share your expertise with the OTA community. Submit your article to Connections magazine and connect with peers across the occupational therapy profession.

NDIS Pricing Campaign

OTA needs your voice. The NDIA’s frozen pricing is unsustainable. We’re calling for fair funding now - before more OTs leave the workforce. Join the campaign.

Media Release. No relief for OTs: NDIS price freeze enters seventh year with services at breaking point

Thousands of NDIS participants are facing longer waitlists and reduced access to critical occupational therapy services after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today confirmed that therapy support prices will remain frozen into a seventh consecutive year.

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.

Three key takeaways from the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference

OTA recently attended the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference in Melbourne on 20 and 21 May, which highlighted three critical challenges facing the disability sector: NDIS pricing issues, delays in foundational supports, and a growing lack of trust within the sector.

DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recognises that health care providers play a key role in providing treatment for DVA clients. Occupational therapists are essential allied health professionals who provide services to clients who hold DVA Veteran Cards.

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

Changes to NDIS plans: New funding periods

NDIA has announced that from the week of 19 May, NDIS plans will include new ‘funding periods’ which will govern the timeframes of when participants can receive plan funds.

Is it ethical to use AI in occupational therapy?

Everyone is talking about how AI is shaping OT. But what does that actually mean? Dr Karen Jacobs is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her focus? Leading the way in the responsible, ethical implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Here Karen talks with Carol McKinstry, Professor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe Rural Health School in Victoria.

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.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Environmental and Home Modifications

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting with environmental and home modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Assistive Technology

This Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting people with Assistive Technology (AT) across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.

Working with Interpreters: A Guide for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists should engage credentialed interpreters to communicate complex or technical information to clients with limited or no English language proficiency.