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.

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for person-centered approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Today, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms in a significant pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club in Canberra. OTA is on the ground at the National Press Club today, with our CEO Sam Hunter ensuring OTs are firmly in the frame as NDIS reform takes centre stage.

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.

Research Study: Early-career OTs transitioning to specialty practice

This study seeks to explore transitions by early career occupational therapists into areas of specialty practice, from the perspectives of both early career and experienced occupational therapists.

Research Survey: Parents and Caregivers priorities for occupational therapy

The research explores perspectives on the priorities of caregivers and Occupational Therapists when working with a child and their families.

Policy and Advocacy update – 16 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIS Integrity Inquiry final call for submissions, upcoming webinars, and many more.

Policy & Advocacy update – 9 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the recent media coverage about NDIS reform, updates on QCAT Act Review, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 2 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including Victorian Election Advisory Group's expression of interest closing soon, easy to find the OTA’s policy submissions, and many more.

Stronger Together: United on the road ahead during disability reform

OTA has taken a measured approach, focusing on stakeholder engagement and behind-the-scenes policy influence.

Thriving Kids at Risk Without the Right Funding and Workforce Model

The interview highlighted the initiative’s potential while raising concerns about risks without proper funding and commissioning.

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.

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On-Demand Learning Hub

To explore OTA’s full range of CPD & Events - including live and on-demand learning - visit Search all CPD & Events.

Plan your CPD for 2026

Plan your professional development, build momentum for the year ahead, and invest in your professional growth to OTX 2026. Join now!

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.

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

This is a presentation from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to AHPA members including OTA on the key changes under the Support at Home Program relating to allied health professionals.

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.

Understanding the Support at Home Program - Preparing to work in Support at Home

This practice resource provides a summary of key features of the Support at Home Program. This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Please note that this content is general in nature and does not constitute legal or business advice. We strongly encourage individuals to seek their own independent legal and business advice regarding their own arrangements and to directly engage with the source resources to clarify the information provided.

Understanding the Support at Home Short Term Programs - Restorative Care Pathway

This practice resource provides a summary of the Restorative Care Pathway under the new Support at Home Program. This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Please note that this content does not reflect the views of OTA, nor does it constitute legal or business advice. We strongly encourage individuals to seek their own independent legal and business advice regarding their own arrangements and to directly engage with the source resources to clarify the information provided.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with older people (aged care)

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care) proposes a series of capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists practising across different aged care settings and support structures. The framework acknowledges that aged care is a complex and multifaceted area of clinical practice and is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

Understanding the Support at Home Short Term Programs - AT/HM Pathway

This practice resource provides a summary of key features of the Assistive Technology/Home Modifications (AT/HM) pathway under the new Support at Home Program. This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Please note that this content does not reflect the views of OTA, nor does it constitute legal or business advice. We strongly encourage individuals to seek their own independent legal and business advice regarding their own arrangements and to directly engage with the source resources to clarify the information provided.

Understanding the Support at Home Short Term Programs - End of Life Pathway

This practice resource provides a summary of the End of Life Pathway under the new Support at Home Program. This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Please note that this content does not reflect the views of OTA, nor does it constitute legal or business advice. We strongly encourage individuals to seek their own independent legal and business advice regarding their own arrangements.

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.

Professional and Practice Skills - Learning Hub

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

State and Territory Advisory Councils

State and Territory Advisory Councils are advisory councils of OTA members from across states and territories to bring voice to local and state-based issues affecting occupational therapists and communities. Advisory Councils provide pivotal intelligence to inform OTA of the opportunities, emerging issues, and changing landscape to enable OTA to be responsive to all of our members' needs, no matter where they reside.

Terms and Conditions

The information provided on this website is for use of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any persons acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this website can be accepted. This includes links to all external organisations.

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.