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.

Federal Budget 2026–27: What it means for Occupational Therapy

Last night, the Treasurer handed down this Government’s fifth Federal Budget. Alongside property tax reform, NDIS reform is a central feature of this Budget, confirming the Government’s intention to significantly reshape eligibility, assessment, planning and access to services and supports. These changes will have material implications for occupational therapists and people they work with, particularly those working in disability, early childhood, psychosocial supports and aged care. This update provides OTA’s initial summary of Budget measures most relevant to the occupational therapy workforce. We will continue to analyse the detail as it becomes available and advocate on issues of concern to the profession.

Policy and Advocacy update – 7 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the update on Federal budget, OTA role in mental health strategy, and many more.

OTA Policy Submissions

OTA’s submissions represent the collective expertise, experience, and perspectives of occupational therapists across Australia, with the goal of advancing the profession across the diverse sectors in which OTs work.

Submission: OTA’s Federal Budget Submission 2026

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has submitted its Federal Budget Submission 2026, advocating for targeted government investments to support children, families, and the occupational therapy workforce across Australia.

OTA Morning Tea at Australia Parliament House, 2 February 2026

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter addresses members and stakeholders at a Morning Tea held at Australia’s Parliament House, highlighting the vital role of occupational therapy in supporting participation, wellbeing, and inclusive communities across the nation.

Policy and Advocacy update – 22 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a near-closing consultation to help shape fairer NDIS pricing, and an OTA call to support the Thriving Kids.

Policy and Advocacy update – 18 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a submission request for better NDIS pricing, updated ADL assessment requirements, and many more.

CEO Member Update - December 2025

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter shares an end-of-year message for the OTA community, reflecting on the year that was including important progress on reconciliation, the wide range of events and resources that strengthened connection across the profession, and national policy reforms with far-reaching impact.

Policy and Advocacy update - 11 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including algorithm-driven NDIS support needs assessments, a call for input from AOPA, changes to Better Access, and many more.

Connections Summer 2025

Connections Summer 2025 edition celebrates OT Week 2025, the launch of OTA's Innovate RAP, Advocacy update, NDIS reforms in action, and many more.

OT Week 2025 Celebration Pack

Join the OT Week 2025 celebrations with our free resources!

OT Week 2025

OT Week is our biggest annual celebration of the extraordinary impact occupational therapists make every day.

Federal Election Marginal Seats

With the Federal Election now underway, this is a critical opportunity to ensure occupational therapy is prioritised by candidates and political parties

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.

Position Statement: Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice Framework (2017)

This document provides the framework for scope of practice which will be underpinned by position papers and guides to good practice for key practice areas and additional scope of practice documents (in development), such as an advanced practice framework, advanced and extended scope of practice documents, and national supervision framework. Occupational Therapy Australia scope of practice documentation will be regularly revised to reflect current needs, knowledge and research to include new areas of activity for occupational therapists in Australia.

Position Statement: Occupational Deprivation (2016)

The purpose of this position statement is to outline the position of Occupational Therapy Australia in relation to occupational deprivation. This position statement is intended for occupational therapists but may also be useful for individuals and groups interested in working towards the creation of a fairer and more socially inclusive Australia.

Position Statement: Evidence-Based Practice (2019)

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key element of best practice in occupational therapy. This position paper covers what evidence based practice is, the rationale for using EBP, the different contexts for use and the responsibilities of occupational therapists, employers, and the wider profession for the use of, and contribution to, EBP.

Position statement: Occupational Therapy and Palliative Care (2015)

This position paper: - Outlines the role of occupational therapy in palliative care in Australia - Provides an overview of the contextual factors experienced by the profession of occupational therapy in this practice setting - Proposes recommendations to improve practice and relevant policy

Position Statement: Occupational Therapy and Oncology (2015)

This position paper: - Outlines the role of occupational therapy within integrated person-centred care in oncology - Aims to inform consumers, clinicians, academics, health service managers, professional associations and government bodies as to occupational therapy practice in oncology - Will inform service and policy development at a local and national level

Evidence-Based Practice Position Statement | January 2019

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key element of best practice in occupational therapy. This position paper covers what evidence based practice is, the rationale for using EBP, the different contexts for use and the responsibilities of occupational therapists, employers, and the wider profession for the use of, and contribution to, EBP.

Position Statement: Bed Sticks, Poles and Rails (2020)

The Bed Sticks, Poles and Rails Position Statement informs services of the requirement for occupational therapist involvement in the prescription of bed sticks/poles and rails and aims to assist occupational therapists in understanding and mitigating risks associated with bed stick/pole and rail use.