13 March 2025
Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists need to anticipate the potential for disasters. Establishing systems and organising activities beforehand can facilitate a prompt and efficient response, mitigating fear and anxiety in the process. Take proactive measures to ensure the effectiveness of your response and recovery. This includes developing plans and arrangements grounded in risk assessments to enable your core business to continue amidst critical incidents or disruptions. Consider incorporating technology, such as telehealth platforms, to ensure continuity of care during disruptions.
12 March 2025
OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!
With the 2025 Federal Election fast approaching, now is the time to advocate for occupational therapy. OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities.
11 March 2025
Connections Autumn 2024
Read Connections Autumn 2024 edition here.
10 March 2025
Announcing the 2025 Sylvia Docker Lectureship Recipient – Professor Mandy Stanley
Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to announce Professor Mandy Stanley as the recipient of the prestigious Sylvia Docker Award for 2025.

5 March 2025
Privacy Policy
Occupational Therapy Australia values highly the strong relationships we have with our customers. The collection of data at Occupational Therapy Australia is being handled with full and proper respect for the privacy of our customers. The data we collect is handled sensitively, securely and with proper regard to privacy. Occupational Therapy Australia does not disclose, distribute or sell the data we collect from our clients to third parties.
5 March 2025
Meeting Your Local Member Guide
This guide is designed to support Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members in preparing for one-on-one meetings with their local federal election candidates. It provides practical advice on how to prepare, conduct, and follow up after a meeting to effectively advocate for the occupational therapy profession ahead of the 2025 federal election.
4 March 2025
OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service
OTA was invited to meet with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss our submission to the Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service list. The Chief OT, Michelle Oliver and senior OTA policy staff met with the Department on Monday 3 March.
4 March 2025
OTA's 2025 Federal Election Playbook
The OTA 2025 Federal Election Playbook is a key resource for OTA members, OTs, supporters of the profession, and government officials seeking to understand and shape policies that impact healthcare, disability, aged care, mental health, veteran care and workforce planning from the perspective of the occupational therapy profession.
3 March 2025
Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024
The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.
26 February 2025
OTA's 2025 Federal Election Statement
The 2025 Federal Election is a critical opportunity to invest in the allied health workforce and strengthen healthcare services. This Statement outlines 27 strategic calls to action essential for addressing pressing issues. A detailed breakdown of each ask is available in OTA’s 2025 Federal Election Playbook.
26 February 2025
Connections Winter 2024
Read Connections Winter 2024 edition here.
26 February 2025
CEO Member Update February 2025
OTA CEO Samantha Hunter shares the latest updates on the outlook for Federal Election, her recent round table discussion with Senator Jordan Steele-John and WA members, capability framework announcements, and the use of AI in practice and how this technology may support, challenge and redefine aspects of the profession.
26 February 2025
Connections Summer 2024
Read Connections Summer 2024 edition here.
25 February 2025
American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) is an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which represents the professional interests and concerns of nearly 213,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students. The primary mission of AJOT is to publish research examining the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy practice so that occupational therapy professionals can make informed, evidence-based decisions about best practice.
24 February 2025
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)
The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ) is a leading international publication presenting influential and innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The journal is the official research publication of the peak membership body, Occupational Therapy Australia.

24 February 2025
Terms and Conditions
The information provided on this website is for use of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any persons acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this website can be accepted. This includes links to all external organisations.

19 February 2025
Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect
Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.
17 February 2025
Neurodivergent Allied Health Professional: Barriers and Facilitators
The study aims to explore the experiences, needs, and contributions of neurodivergent professionals in the allied health field. ...
13 February 2025
Exploring perceptions of the allied health role in palliative and end of life care
This study aims to explore how allied health professionals work with older adults receiving palliative care and at end of life, in Australia; what unique input the various disciplines can offer, and what learning or professional development informs clinical practice.
12 February 2025
Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families
The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families proposes a set of key capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists working across a range of service settings. The framework recognises that paediatric practice is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.
15 January 2025
Monash: Early Vocational Rehabilitation Webinar (July 2024)
In July 2024, OTA hosted a Member Session: Towards Work – Early vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, multi-trauma orthopaedic injuries or spinal cord injury by Dr Pam Ross and Yash Bedekar.
15 January 2025
DHAC: National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management
The Action Plan will provide a key step towards a national and holistic policy framework that will support consumers, health practitioners and the wider community to improve the quality of life for people living with pain, their families and carers and minimise its impact.
15 January 2025
DHAC: Progress Report - Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
The report provides an objective and independent assessment by the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care on progress of the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. It identifies progress against each recommendation, presents stakeholder views and initial observations.
18 December 2024
OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025
22 October 2024
Update your mobile number
Update your mobile number to access your services

3 October 2024
Team and Governance
OTA is led by a team of dedicated professionals who seek to protect and progress the profession.

3 October 2024
CPD and Events
Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.

2 October 2024
Disability
We advocate to support and advance the critical role that OTs play in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We lobby for better systems, processes and funding to enable access to safe, quality and value for money OT services for Australians with disability.

2 October 2024
Advocacy
We work to make sure that decision makers understand the important and life-changing work that OTs do with their clients everyday across Australia. We engage with state and federal governments, stakeholders, providers and members to understand and overcome systemic issues and barriers impacting the OT scope and profession by working to change laws, policies and systems. Our policymaking and advocacy work is informed by engagement with our members.