Federal Election 2025: OTA Scorecard and Summary

Ahead of the 2025 federal election, OTA has compiled a summary of major party commitments relevant to occupational therapy practice and the broader allied health sector.

OTA Federal Budget Response

On Tuesday 25 March, the Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget. OTA has prepared an analysis and published a response, calling out the omission of OTs in the budget.

OTA Research Foundation Direct Gift Recipient Grants

The OTA Research Foundation (OTARF) grants scheme stimulates new research knowledge and supports the career development and capacity of researchers.

OTA Research Foundation

Research and the publication of evidence for occupational therapy is crucial to OTA’s strategic plan. We are the collector, curator, contributor and disseminator of evidence-based learning and ongoing knowledge, understanding and translation to action.

OTA Post-Budget Analysis 2025-26

Read the analysis of the Budget that is relevant to Occupational Therapy. Read OTA’s media release. As anticipated, this was a shorter, more targeted budget. Just three weeks ago the Government had been expected to announce an election and forego a Federal Budget until after the next election.

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.

OTA Mental Health Strategy

OTA’s Mental Health Strategy was launched on 25 November 2022 at the Mental Health Forum, and will see OTA deliver a range of actions over two stages.

OTA Leadership meets with MPs

Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, OTA has been actively engaging with government ministers, senators, advisors, crossbenchers, and opposition members to advance the calls to action outlined in OTA’s Federal Election Statement.

OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!

With the 2025 Federal Election fast approaching, now is the time to advocate for occupational therapy. OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities.

Appeals Process - OTA WFOT Program Approval Committee

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has a process to manage the review of a decision when an education program is not recommended for WFOT approval status.

OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service

OTA was invited to meet with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss our submission to the Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service list. The Chief OT, Michelle Oliver and senior OTA policy staff met with the Department on Monday 3 March.

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Playbook

The OTA 2025 Federal Election Playbook is a key resource for OTA members, OTs, supporters of the profession, and government officials seeking to understand and shape policies that impact healthcare, disability, aged care, mental health, veteran care and workforce planning from the perspective of the occupational therapy profession.

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Statement

The 2025 Federal Election is a critical opportunity to invest in the allied health workforce and strengthen healthcare services. This Statement outlines 27 strategic calls to action essential for addressing pressing issues. A detailed breakdown of each ask is available in OTA’s 2025 Federal Election Playbook.

Stronger Together. The New Face of OTA.

Today we unveil a bold new brand and member experience. The rebrand captures the inclusivity and connection that defines the profession and signifies Occupational Therapy Australia as the single, unifying connection point for occupational therapists across the country, and we are **Stronger Together**.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

OTA Statement to Government Response to the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission

Occupational Therapy Australia is incredibly disappointed that the Commonwealth Government has not moved to urgently address the parlous state of the veteran health system.

Kruk Update and AHPRA Vexatious Complaints Review

Read the latest updates on the registration process for overseas-trained health professionals and the release of AHPRA’s Framework for Identifying and Managing Vexatious Notifications.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Exposure to COVID-19 in the Course of Your Employment

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

OTA Member Logo Terms and Conditions

The following membership logo terms and conditions apply to all Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members. Please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions before you commence using the OTA member logo.

Position Statement: The Role of Allied Health Assistants in Supporting Occupational Therapy Practice (2015)

This position paper defines the roles, scope, and operational and professional responsibilities of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) in the delivery of occupational therapy in hospital and the community. The paper provides a structure for occupational therapists to effectively supervise and delegate to AHAs, and will assist occupational therapists in understanding the clinical governance requirements in facilitating the AHA role within an occupational therapy service.

OTA Constitution (2024)

The Constitution for Occupational Therapy Australia Limited, endorsed at Occupational Therapy Australia Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2024.

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.

OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025

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.