Foundational Supports & NDIS: Release of Grattan Institute report

The Grattan Institute released a report last week, Saving the NDIS. This adds to the literature informing the NDIS reform landscape that OTs are navigating and will continue to navigate as services for children with developmental delay and disability, and for people with psychosocial disability transition to Foundational Supports.

NDIA pricing advocacy update

OTA has continued our advocacy efforts this week including a range of significant meetings, leading to some important commitments from MPs and NDIA stakeholder.

The role of occupational therapists in mainstream secondary schools

The study is about exploring the roles of occupational therapists who are directly-employed (school-employed) within mainstream secondary schools.

Connections Winter 2025

Read Connections Winter 2025 edition here.

Submission: Select Committee on Foundational and Disability Supports Available For Children and Young People In New South Wales

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the NSW Government’s approach to development of foundation supports for children and young people with disability, developmental delay or concerns.

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.

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.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 5

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 4

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 3

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 2

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 1

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Foundational Supports

OTA are working to support and advance the critical role that OTs will play in the design and delivery of foundational supports. As this reform process continues, we will provide updates on opportunities for consultation and advocacy. We will also offer guidance to support coordinated advocacy efforts across the sector and ensure our profession is well represented in these changes.

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.

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

WA Advisory Group

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

TAS Advisory Group

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

NT Advisory Group

The Occupational Therapy Australia Northern Territory Advisory Group represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the state. The Advisory Group comprises OTA members from across the Territory who bring a diversity of skills and experience to the Association.

SA Advisory Group

The Occupational Therapy Australia SA Advisory Group represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the state. The Advisory Group comprises OTA members from across the state who bring a diversity of skills and experience to the Association. Advisory Group members welcome and value member input and feedback.

VIC Advisory Group

The Occupational Therapy Australia Victorian Advisory Group represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the state.

QLD Advisory Group

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Queensland Advisory Group represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the state.