NDIA Quality Supports Program Pilot

On 11 November, the NDIA announced a targeted grant opportunity for large therapy support providers to participate in a 12-month Quality Supports pilot. The pilot aims to gather feedback and data to inform future market stewardship and pricing policy. Only pre-selected large providers meeting specific criteria were invited to apply. More information is available on Grants Connect.

This follows two other NDIA pilots on Supported Independent Living and Support Coordination. OTA raised concerns via the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) Disability Working Group that smaller and sole providers – who make up a large proportion of the market – may be overlooked. NDIA advised that this pilot would form a foundation for future therapy pricing and quality reviews. A three-year pricing work plan will be released soon, and OTA is working with AHPA and other allied health groups to ensure the OT profession is represented in the upcoming 2026 Annual Pricing Review.

Parliamentary hearing offers more insights into NDIA’s future Support needs assessments

At an October parliamentary hearing, the NDIA provided more insight into the upcoming SNA process, which aims to improve equity in planning decisions without requiring multiple expert reports. However, assessors will not need allied health qualifications. OTA is deeply concerned this contradicts recommendations that SNAs be delivered by qualified AHPs and continues to advocate for person-centred, high-quality assessments.

We are continuing to engage with the NDIA directly, and via AHPA, to advocate for access to high quality and person-centred needs assessments that meet people’s individual disability needs, and appropriately identifies their required disability supports including individual goals and capacity building.

ICAN Assessor Training

The ICAN v6 tool, selected by NDIA for the new SNA framework (mid-2026 rollout), is managed by the Centre for Disability Studies. Due to demand, the ICAN training portal is temporarily paused. OTA will update members once reopened.

Our current understanding of the SNA approach is that only NDIA SNA assessors will be required to use an adapted version of the ICAN in their assessments, and this training will be delivered by CDS. There is no requirement for those currently working with NDIS participants to have undergone the ICAN training. OTA will provide further updates to members as soon as they are available.

Aged Care Act 2025

Australia’s new Aged Care Act commenced on 1 November 2025, introducing the Support at Home Program.

To help OTs navigate these changes, OTA has developed practice resources covering pricing, pathways, and regulatory updates:

• Member Update – Aged Care (Oct 2025)
• Restorative Care Pathway
• AT/HM Pathway
• End of Life Pathway
• Preparing to Work in Support at Home

Head to the OTA Aged Care page and scroll down to 'Aged Care Act 2025' to explore all our resources: otaus.com.au/aged-care.

While it is still early in the implementation process, please let us know of any changes that are impacting your ability to provide services, or on outcomes for the older people you are working with. Contact us at policy@otaus.com.au using Aged Care in the subject line.

Free Webinar

Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network is hosting a free Webinar for allied health providers on the New GP Chronic Condition Management Plan Framework on from 6:30pm – 8pm (AEDT) on 9 December.

Register here: Understanding the New GP Chronic Condition Management Plan Framework for Allied Health Providers - EMPHN