OTA calls for person-centred approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Yesterday, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care reforms in a pre-budget address at the National Press Club in Canberra. 

We are pleased that some reforms respond to long-standing concerns, particularly the delayed roll out of New Framework Planning and changes to Support at Home. However, broader NDIS settings point to a tightening of the scheme, with likely consequences for participant access and essential occupational therapy supports. 

Read more about the announcements here.

We will urgently seek to understand the proposed legislative changes and proposed standardised evidence-based assessments in detail, and how these proposed changes may impact the profession. 

We will consult with our members before finalising a full response. As soon as the annual pricing decisions are announced, we will hold a Members Forum about the next stage of the NDIS reforms and the pricing decisions. 

In the meantime, members are encouraged to send questions for the forum to policy@otaus.com.au.

Update on Household Services and Veterans’ Home Care

OTA has received clarification from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) regarding upcoming changes associated with the commencement of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 on 1 July 2026.

DVA has confirmed that these reforms are primarily legislative and administrative in nature and will not change how Household Services claims are assessed or processed, including when advice is sought from occupational therapists or other suitably qualified health professionals.

From 1 July 2026

• All new compensation claims for Household Services are expected to be assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), regardless of when the veteran served. 

• Veterans receiving Household Services compensation cannot receive the same domestic assistance or home and garden maintenance services through the Veterans Home Care (VHC) program.

• Veterans with accepted service-related conditions under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act may be able to lodge a claim for Household Services under MRCA where they meet eligibility requirements.

DVA also advised that veterans currently receiving Household Services under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence‑related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) may choose to lodge a new claim under MRCA after 1 July 2026. This may provide access to a slightly higher MRCA weekly statutory limit, depending on individual circumstances.

While DVA has confirmed there will be no changes to assessment processes on the role of OTs, OTA notes that the shift to a single legislative framework for new claims may still influence referral pathways and demand for OT assessments over time.

OTA will continue to monitor implementation of these changes and provide further updates to members as needed. Please visit DVA’s website for more information. Members are encouraged to contact policy@otaus.com.au with any questions or concerns.

Call for case studies: NDIS pricing impacts

OTA is seeking short case studies from occupational therapists on how pricing changes have impacted their practice over the past year. We are particularly interested in examples that highlight impacts on clients, rising fuel or operating costs or changes to how you deliver services. 

We are also looking for OTs who are willing to share stories about their work with NDIS participants, including: 

• their journey to accessing an NDIS plan  
• how their plan has influenced their daily life, and how recent changes may affect them  
• the impact of occupational therapy on their life and their family’s wellbeing

OTs who are open to participating in media, with support from OTA, are strongly encouraged to get involved. Where appropriate, we also welcome participation from the NDIS participants you work with, to bring a lived experience perspective that strengthens our advocacy and connects with the broader community. 

The sustainability of occupational therapy service delivery under the NDIS is under increasing pressure. Your contribution can help us advocate for a more sustainable system that supports both occupational therapists and the people they work with.

If you have a case study to share, please complete this form .

Nominate for the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, recognising innovation, excellence and achievement across Victoria’s public health system. OTA encourages eligible members working in Victorian public health services and programs to consider nominating an initiative, team or service that has made a strong impact over the past year. Entries close 22 May. 

Read more here.

OTA submission to TAC inquiry

Thank you to the occupational therapists who completed OTA’s recent survey to inform our submission on the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into claims made through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). OTA’s submission to the Victorian Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee also drew on a 2023 survey of 83 occupational therapists. The submission raised concerns about administrative burden, timeliness, fee and payment processes, transparency of higher-rate arrangements, and TAC interaction with other systems. It also noted it is too early to comment on the new OT Access Registry, which commenced on 13 April. 

Read more about the inquiry on the Committee’s website. OTA’s submission will also become available on this website. 

OTA submits feedback on SA Health OT Workforce Plan

OTA has submitted feedback on SA Health’s Draft Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan 2026–2029. OTA welcomed the development of a dedicated plan, but called for stronger statewide leadership, clearer accountability, more practical actions, and greater focus on senior workforce capacity, supervision, regional retention and aligning OT workforce growth with service demand.