Last chance to join the Victorian Election Advisory Group

OTA is inviting Victorian members to express interest in joining a small advisory group to help shape our advocacy ahead of the 2026 Victorian state election. We are seeking a mix of members, particularly occupational therapists working in public health.  

To apply, email policy@otaus.com.au by Sunday 5 April with the subject line VIC Election Advisory Group. 

Inquiry into TAC claims: Share your experience

The Victorian Parliament is conducting an inquiry into claims made through the TAC, including legitimate and disputed claims, provider fee issues and interactions with services such as the NDIS. OTA is seeking member feedback through a survey to help inform a possible submission. If you have experience working with TAC clients, we encourage you to share practical examples and evidence where possible. Members can also choose to make individual submissions.  

Complete the survey by 12 April.  

Read more about the inquiry on the Victorian Parliament website.

Finding OTA’s policy submissions just got easier!

OTA’s website now features a dedicated Policy Submissions page – helping you keep up to date with the issues we’re advocating on. Our submissions reflect the collective expertise, experience and perspectives of occupational therapists working across a wide range of settings. They help us to influence legislation, policy and programs that impact the health, wellbeing and participation of individuals, families and communities.

You can check out our Policy Submissions page here.

WorkCover QLD – Review of Allied Health Services Tables of Costs

WorkCover Queensland is seeking feedback on the 2026-27 Allied Health Services Table of Costs. OTA is keen to hear from members to help shape a potential submission. If you’d like to share your thoughts, please complete our survey by 16 April.

Members can also respond directly via the WorkCover website by 24 April.

WorkCover QLD – Refreshed Provider Management Plan

WorkCover Queensland has updated its Provider Management Plan (PMP) to make the form easier to read, complete and submit. Allied health providers must complete this form to outline their treatment plan and support for injured workers. You can download the new form here. Or continue using the old form until 30 June.

More information is available on WorkCover Queensland’s website. If you have any questions, please email ProviderEngagement@workcoverqld.com.au.

NDIS Updates

Stronger Together: United on the road ahead during disability reform

OTA is entering a new phase of disability advocacy. While recent months have required a measured, behind-the-scenes approach, the reform environment is shifting, and our advocacy will become more visible and more public. As major changes progress, including the Annual Pricing Review and broader NDIS reforms, OTA will increasingly focus on shaping public and political understanding of the value of occupational therapy. This work will be collaborative, strengths-based and solutions focused, and it will rely on a united profession advocating together.

You can read more here.

OTA’s Chief OT appointed to national NDIS Commission Sector Consultation Forum

OTA is pleased to announce that Michelle Oliver, Chief Occupational Therapist at OTA, has been appointed to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s Sector Consultation Forum.

The Forum will provide sector wide insights on the delivery of NDIS services and supports. Michelle will provide expertise on provider readiness, quality, safety and emerging issues across the NDIS market, and ensure the voices of OTs and the disability community inform national regulatory decisions.

OTA members are encouraged to share feedback on any issues relating to the NDIS Commission. Feedback can be provided at any time by emailing policy@otaus.com.au.

Integrity of the NDIS – Parliamentary Inquiry

A parliamentary inquiry is underway into the integrity of the NDIS. For OTs, this goes to the heart of delivering safe, ethical and effective services. OTA is developing a submission and invites members to share their experiences and insights by 20 April to help shape our response. Please email policy@otaus.com.au

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme will inquire into and report on: 

1. the nature and extent of non-compliance, including fraud and sharp practices, in the National Disability Insurance Scheme
2. the impacts of non-compliance on NDIS participants and their families 
3. the effectiveness and adequacy of successive government policies to improve scheme integrity, safeguard participants, and tackle non-compliance 
4. any legislative or other reforms required to strengthen scheme integrity.

Final submissions close on 24 April.

Concerns about the NDIS Rules: New Framework Planning

OTA is concerned about the potential impact of the proposed New Framework Planning rules on the occupational therapy profession and OT services. OTA provided a submission 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.

NDIS 2026 Annual Pricing Review

The NDIA Board is currently considering information provided through the 2026 Annual Pricing Review consultation before making a recommendation in the coming weeks. Occupational Therapy Australia strongly recommends a decisive pricing response to stabilise and strengthen the occupational therapy market under the NDIS. Specifically, OTA recommends:  

• delivering an immediate 11% uplift to OT hourly rates   
• reinstating 100% travel funding for occupational therapy   
• developing a fit-for-purpose allied health pricing model

We will continue to update members on the APR as more information becomes available. Read our submission here.  

We acknowledge that the current reforms may be causing stress and anxiety for occupational therapy business owners, and those who work in occupational therapy businesses, including private practitioners. OTA is here to support you. Members can access our EAP service, TELUS Health. Organisations like Beyond Blue also offer mental health coaching for small business owners.