Delay to Aged Care Act will enable clarification and support transition

OTA welcomes the delay to the introduction of the new Aged Care Act until November as a response to the significant concerns raised by the sector. However, for the delay to be meaningful, the key issues raised by the sector need to be addressed.

Perceptions of Occupational Therapy students on Mindfulness Interventions

This study will explore the perceptions of occupational therapy students about what mindfulness is, what interventions students are most likely to participate in, and what is the preferred design or structure of those interventions.

Practical tips: Indicative pricing for Support at Home

OTA shares the concerns of members about a number of aspects of the new Aged Care Act and associated Rules, that will come into effect on 1 July. Of prime concern are the recently released Indicative Prices for Support at Home.

DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recognises that health care providers play a key role in providing treatment for DVA clients. Occupational therapists are essential allied health professionals who provide services to clients who hold DVA Veteran Cards.

FAQ: Setting Up a Professional Practice

Frequently asked questions about setting up a professional practice.

Is it ethical to use AI in occupational therapy?

Everyone is talking about how AI is shaping OT. But what does that actually mean? Dr Karen Jacobs is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her focus? Leading the way in the responsible, ethical implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Here Karen talks with Carol McKinstry, Professor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe Rural Health School in Victoria.

May NDIA updates: Stated therapy supports, annual pricing review and more

During May 2025 OTA continues to advocate for members in regards to stated therapy supports, pricing review and provides updates on new Decision-Making Hub and operational guidelines.

FAQ: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

See our FAQ on Continuing Professional Development.

Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses

Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.

The enduring value of professional development for Occupational Therapists

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, professional development is not just a recommendation for occupational therapists – it is essential to ethical, safe and effective practice.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit

The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.

Supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with mental health conditions

This study aims to explore the perspectives of occupational therapists worldwide on their role in supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with MH conditions.

NDIS & Disability update: How we're advocating for our members

The upcoming Federal election and ongoing reforms to the NDIS has led to several opportunities to advocate on behalf of the occupational therapy profession. OTA has met with Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth’s office to advance our calls to action ahead of the Federal election and provided feedback to the NDIA on its approach to developing support needs assessments. Read about how we’ve been collaborating.

Tasmania welcomes its first occupational therapy course as national shortage intensifies

In a major milestone for Tasmania’s healthcare and education sectors, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) will welcome its first-ever cohort of occupational therapy (OT) students in July 2025, finally offering local students the opportunity to train, live and work in their home state.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Environmental Modifications

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists working with Environmental Modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Assistive Technology

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists working with Assistive Technology (AT) across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs (Essential Support Guide) outlines the minimum recommended supports that Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) advises for early career occupational therapists. The Essential Support Guide also identifies enabling factors that enhance the effectiveness of these minimum recommended supports and contribute to the success, job satisfaction, and retention of early career therapists in their roles.

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.

Working with Interpreters: A Guide for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists should engage credentialed interpreters to communicate complex or technical information to clients with limited or no English language proficiency.

Sustainability Checklist for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists can be agents of change in reshaping the interactions between people, their occupations, and environments.

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.

Practice Support

Your practice doesn't stop at your clients. Our practice support is designed to help you with your day-to-day whether you're just starting out, an experienced practitioner or managing a business - OTA practice support has been designed to support you.

Early Career Support

Interest Groups

OTA membership allows you to explore national and state-based interest groups, student and early career community of practice, or national reference groups that help inform our advocacy work.

Professional Supervision Program

The Professional Supervision Program is designed to...

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Social Justice Groups

OTA members can be involved in Social Justice Groups that learn from lived experience to inform the profession and the association about safe and life affirming care.