Policy and Advocacy update – 23 July 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the update on Commonwealth Prac Payment, NSW Thriving Kids petition, and many more.

Occupational therapy students to receive Commonwealth Prac Payment

Government expands Commonwealth Prac Payment to include OT students.

Beyond counselling: Discover the expanded TELUS Health member benefits

Eligible OTA members can now access an expanded range of confidential wellbeing services, including expert financial coaching and nutrition support, adding to the counselling services many members already know about.

Generative AI in OT Practice Interest Group

This Interest Group is open to all OTA members working in or with an interest in the area of Generative AI.

Mastering Generative AI: Advanced Tools & Techniques for OTs

This advanced workshop is for OTs who are already confident with the basics of generative AI and are ready to explore more sophisticated tools and real-world applications to support and streamline their work.

Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

A practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help occupational therapists confidently get started with generative AI and apply it safely and effectively in everyday practice.

Research Survey: Allied health perspectives on digital health in South Australia

This research project explores the perspectives of allied health professionals on digital health services in South Australia or previously worked in South Australia.

Policy and Advocacy update – 9 July 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the changes in NDIS Amendment Bill, Thriving Kids advocacy update, and many more.

OTA Submission: Psychosocial supports advice and actions for Government

OTA established an Expert Advisory Group for Psychosocial Foundational Supports (EAG), comprising twenty highly experienced occupational therapists working across a range of public, non-government and private psychosocial services.

Short Course: Safe and effective AI use in OT practice

This short 15-minute course expands on Safe AI use in OT practice. It covers the types of AI being used in OT practice, how to implement AI use, regulation of AI tools, and how to ensure you are meeting your professional obligations.

Board Director Nominations 2026 now open

We are seeking suitably qualified and experienced individuals to contribute their governance skills and expertise as valued Board Directors. This year, there are two member elected Board Director roles available.

NDIS pricing decision risks “national health emergency” as OT workforce pushed to breaking point

The NDIA's decision to freeze occupational therapy pricing has raised concerns about reduced access to essential services, with warnings that many Australians may struggle to receive the care needed to maintain their safety, independence, and community participation.

Professional Supervision Framework - All appendices

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Digital Health Hub

Digital health is now a core part of how care is delivered across Australia and an increasingly important part of occupational therapy practice.

OTA Submission: NSW Workers Compensation Reform regulations and guidelines

OTA have made a submission to SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) in NSW around the state's Workers Compensation reforms, focused on the strong role occupational therapists play in psychosocial recovery, vocational rehabilitation, and return-to-work planning.

OTA Submission: IHACPA for the pricing framework for support at home Aged Care services

OTA recommend pricing for Support at Home should align to evidence-based business overheads that Occupational Therapists must factor into their operating budgets.

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 – 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.

Research Survey: Exploring the skills and interventions of mental health occupational therapists

This survey is to understand OTs current practice - who they work with, what interventions and assessments they use, what models of OT they use and what are their challenges and barriers faced.

FAQ: Using AI safely in Occupational Therapy practice

Explore FAQs on using AI in occupational therapy, including privacy, ethics, clinical decision-making, and safe, responsible implementation.

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.

Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

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.

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.

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.

News

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

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.