OTA steps up national advocacy in Canberra and Sydney

Last week, OTA ramped up our national advocacy efforts, with our Chief Executive Officer and Head of Policy & Advocacy meeting federal politicians and sector representatives in Canberra and Sydney.

OTA’s survey of OTs shows dire consequences of NDIS pricing decision

Data from OTA’s recent survey of 600 OTs across Australia paints a concerning picture for future access to OT services under the NDIS, following the NDIA’s devastating pricing decision.

A grounded theory study: Mental health professionals’ perspectives on the involvement of police for people experiencing mental health issues

The research seeks to understand the experiences and decision-making related to mental health professionals’ involvement of police in adult community-based mental health settings.

Stronger foundations, smarter practice: Introducing OTA’s Practice Essentials

Ailsa Leslie, Head of Professional Practice at OTA, shares her thoughts on OTA's  Practice Essentials – a new suite of learning programs designed to ensure you’re practising with clarity, confidence, and credibility. 

FAQ: Environmental and Home Modifications

FAQs on home and environmental modifications.

Q & A with Catherine Daly: The parent-child connection in infant mental health

Catherine Daly is an Occupational Therapist and Child and Family Therapist who has worked extensively with infants, children and families requiring assessment and intervention for psychosocial, mental health and developmental difficulties. Catherine is a co-presenter with Chris Hodges at CPD Empower’s Brisbane Workshop 2025.

Consultation on Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission in relation to targeted foundational supports - Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin.

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.

MEDIA RELEASE: OTA backs calls to end placement poverty

OTA has called on the Federal Government to end placement poverty for students, backing Allied Health Professions Australia’s campaign to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to include all allied health students.

Foundational Supports for Children - OTA advice to governments paper

The Foundational Supports for Children – Advice and actions for governments document has been developed by Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) in close collaboration with the occupational therapy community.

SA OTs secure stronger EBA

A new standalone Allied Health EBA has been endorsed by 80.1% of voters, delivering a 13.5% pay rise and improved conditions for South Australia’s allied health workforce.

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).

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.

National Conference & Exhibition 2025 Gallery

The recently held OTAUS 2025 brought together occupational therapy professionals from across Australia to share insights, celebrate achievements, and explore the future of practice through workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities.

OTA incorrect statement published in error

Earlier today an incorrect statement about the NDIS travel rate cut was posted in error on the OTA website.

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: My Aged Care (MAC)

Frequently asked questions about My Aged Care (MAC) here.

Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement

Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.

FAQ: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

FAQs on assistive technology and environmental modifications.

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.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

OTA 2025 Federal Election Toolkit

OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities for the 2025 Australian Federal Election.

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.

OTA Members’ EAP

We have partnered with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider TELUS Health. TELUS Health is a full-service assistance program providing confidential work, life and well-being consultations.

OTA Board

Occupational Therapy Australia is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members and/or through the Nominations Committee.

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.