Policy and Advocacy update - 19 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the upcoming Digital Health webinar, updates on the Thriving Kids initiative, and many more.

Submission: National Disability Insurance Agency | 2026 Annual Pricing Review Consultation

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for a decisive pricing adjustment to stabilise and strengthen the occupational therapy market under the NDIS. Read for more.

Policy & Advocacy update – 12 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report, SA state election, and many more.

What is Mental Health OT?

Learn more about how mental health occupational therapists support people with complex mental health diagnoses.

Research Study: Decision-making capacity assessment

The aim of this research is to gain an understanding of how occupational therapists contribute to assessment of decision-making capacity – their practices, perspectives, and experience.

OTA Submission: Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Review of the Aged Care Rules

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this review and to bring to the Committee’s attention a number of concerning aspects of funding arrangements under the new Support at Home program.

OTA Submission: Senate Inquiry into transition of CHSP to Support at Home

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to Senate Inquiry into the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to the Support at Home Program (the Inquiry) and to highlight several significant concerns relating to the new Support at Home program.

OTA’s South Australian State Election 2026 Campaign

The SA state election will be held on 21 March 2026. MPs are finalising commitments now. A short message from local constituents helps put occupational therapy workforce solutions on the agenda.

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.

Environmental Modification Training: A core capability for Occupational Therapists

Investing in formal environmental modification training is critical to ensuring safe, effective, and meaningful outcomes for clients and communities.

Member-only resource: Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists

OTA’s Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists resource, available exclusively to members, provides practical, evidence-informed guidance across the Prepare, Respond and Recover phases of disaster management.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

NDIS - Learning Hub

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

Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

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.

FAQ: Assistive Technology

FAQs on assistive technology.

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.

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.

Connections submissions

Share your expertise with the OTA community. Submit your article to Connections magazine and connect with peers across the occupational therapy profession.

Professional Supervision

Grounded in principles including reflective practice, self-directed learning, and critical feedback, professional supervision empowers supervisees to take control of their own learning and development, and provides a platform for self-directed growth, skill development, problem solving and wellbeing.

State-Based Issues

We advocate across Australian states and territories to advance the recognition of OTs and address known issues affecting OTs and the people the support.

WA Advisory Council

Occupational Therapy Australia WA Advisory Council represents the interests and provides services to members affiliated with the state. The Advisory Council represents the membership and provides advice and support to the operations of the state.

TAS Advisory Council

The Occupational Therapy Australia Tasmanian Advisory Council represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the State.