Published: Thursday 12 March 2026
Fair Work gender undervaluation review: Proposed award changes for OTs
The Fair Work Commission is examining whether work covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 has been historically undervalued, including because of gender-based assumptions in how roles have been classified and paid. The Commission has now released a statement and draft determination proposing a new classification structure and higher minimum award rates for health professionals covered by the award, including occupational therapists.
For occupational therapists, this could affect role classifications under the award and how minimum pay rates progress over time. OTA is reviewing the draft carefully to ensure it accurately reflects occupational therapy qualifications, career pathways and comparisons with other allied health professions. We will make a submission to the Commission by 23 March.
Read the statement and draft determination on the Fair Work Commission’s website.
Concerns about the NDIS Rules: New Framework Planning
OTA continues to raise concerns about the potential impact of the proposed New Framework Planning rules on the occupational therapy profession and OT services. Last week, we submitted formal feedback to Government calling for: the release of the Exposure Draft, inclusion of occupational therapists as NDIA Assessors, no cuts or reductions in therapy supports, a slower rollout with real co-design, and representation on a Government Reference Group on the NDIS Rules.
You can view the submission here.
We acknowledge that these reforms may be causing stress and anxiety for occupational therapy business owners and staff, including private practitioners. OTA is here to support you. Members can access our EAP service, TELUS Health. Beyond Blue also offers mental health coaching for small business owners.
Join an OTA National Reference Group
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for our National Reference Groups (NRGs). If you are passionate about shaping the future of occupational therapy, we would love to hear from you.
Our NRGs bring together members from across Australia and ensure OTA’s policy and advocacy work is informed by occupational therapists working across diverse sectors, including disability, aged care, mental health and veterans’ health.
EOIs are currently open for four groups:
We invite occupational therapists with diverse experience, perspectives and skills to join these groups and help ensure our advocacy reflects the full breadth of the profession.
NRG members meet online three times a year for one hour during business hours, with occasional opportunities to contribute between meetings via email or other sessions. Read more about our NRGs here.
Expressions of interest close on 20 March.
Find out more and apply today.
Upcoming webinar: Better & Faster Access to My Health Record
Recent Better and Faster Access changes to My Health Record mean pathology and diagnostic imaging reports will now be uploaded by default and available sooner. These changes aim to improve information sharing and support more timely coordinated care across the health system.
Join the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN to learn what this means for allied health professionals, including updated “share by default” rules, key exceptions, and how to help patients manage their health information. For occupational therapists, earlier access to clinical information will support better assessment, care planning and team coordination.
Wednesday 18 March | 12 noon–1pm AEDT | Online via Microsoft Teams
Register here.
Upcoming webinar: Understanding your HPI-I
Need an HPI-I (Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual) to securely share health information but not sure where to start? Join AHPA’s next Digital Health Education Series webinar, featuring representatives from Services Australia and Ahpra. Learn how HPI-Is are allocated, how to access them, and how they link with HPI-Os for both Ahpra-registered and non-Ahpra registered allied health professionals.
The session includes presentations plus a live Q&A with practical guidance for allied health professionals, practice owners and managers.
Monday 30 March | 5–6pm AEDT | Online via Microsoft Teams
Register here.
2026 Mental Health Sector Expo
On 5 March, OTA participated in the Mental Health Sector Expo at Parliament House, Canberra, where mental health organisations showcased their work to federal parliamentarians. The event was attended by Minister Mark Butler and Assistant Minister Emma McBride, providing valuable opportunities to engage on national mental health priorities. OTA held productive discussions with parliamentarians and DHDA officials on key mental health and public policy issues.
ACT Allied Health Forum
OTA attended the 2026 ACT Allied Health Forum in Canberra on 11 March, joining allied health leaders, government representatives and sector stakeholders to discuss workforce, advanced practice, service delivery and system reform. OTA’s attendance ensured occupational therapy was represented in these discussions and will help inform our ongoing policy and advocacy work.
Add your name to the petition to end placement poverty
AHPA’s Prac Payment Petition has more than 22,000 signatures! There’s still time to add yours. Occupational therapy students complete extensive mandatory unpaid placements, often at significant personal cost. This reform would reduce the financial hardship and strengthen Australia’s future health workforce.
Every signature counts – sign the petition today!
