Policy and advocacy update - 30 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIS Psychosocial Access, The New Aged Care Act, and many more.

OTA Oration Award

This accolade aims to honour and showcase an occupational therapist who has made outstanding, innovative, and impactful contribution to the clinical practice of occupational therapy.

New Editor-in-Chief Appointed for the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of **Professor Angus Buchanan** as the next Editor-in-Chief of the *Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)*.

OTA launches The Participation Gap report

Launched today on World OT Day, new national polling commissioned by Occupational Therapy Australia’s reveals the scale of health-related disruption across the nation – and the opportunity to close it through occupational therapy.

Policy and advocacy update - 23 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy developments this week and what they mean for you.

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.

Member Update - Aged Care (October 2025)

A new Aged Care Act will be implemented on November 1st. This introduces the new home-based aged care program, Support at Home, which will replace the existing Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care programs. OTA has prepared practice resources to support our profession during this transition. These resources provide a summary of the Support at Home Program's key details and offer considerations for clinicians to best prepare for the new reforms.

Policy and advocacy update - 16 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIS Therapy supports operational guideline, AT-HM guidelines, and an open position for Digital Health Advisers.

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.

Policy and advocacy update - 7 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the newly established NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC), NDIS Supports list, and many more.

OTA Submission - Thriving Kids Inquiry

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability Inquiry into Thriving Kids (the Inquiry).

Policy and advocacy update – 1 October 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy developments this week and what they mean for you.

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.

October Interest Groups

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our October Interest Groups. Interest Groups bring together OTs focused on different areas of practice to discuss relevant topics and new developments. The meetings offer peer and expert support, networking and learning opportunities.

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.

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.

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.

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: Ahpra Registration Queries including Returning to Practice

See Frequently Asked Questions about Ahpra registration here.

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.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Membership

We offer memberships that empower your career. Our memberships are designed to match your level of experience with benefits designed to help you and your practice.

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 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.

OT Notification Navigator Service

Full-Time, Part-Time and New Graduate members who receive a notification from industry regulators can utilise this service to access guidance from a qualified Occupational Therapist about how to navigate the notification process.

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.

History

Occupational Therapy Australia was formed in 2009 after national members voted to consolidate all divisions within the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) to form Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.

OTA Board

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