Your experiences, insights and priorities guide how we represent you, consult with you and champion the occupational therapy profession. There’s lots happening this week! Help us ensure decision makers understand the vital, life-changing work OTs do every day. Share your input at policy@otaus.com.au.

OTA lodges Fair Work Commission submission on OT classification – Gender Undervaluation Review

OTA has lodged a submission to the Fair Work Commission’s gender-based undervaluation priority awards review of the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. OTA supports the broader reform but has raised concern that the proposed Schedule B entry for Occupational Therapist lists AQF Level 7 only. OTA’s submission explains that current accredited entry-to-practice OT pathways include bachelor, bachelor honours, masters, and combined bachelor/masters qualifications, and that the proposed Schedule B entry is not just descriptive because it may affect the minimum rate pathway under the new classification structure. OTA has asked the Commission to amend the entry to include AQF Levels 7, 8 and 9 or alternatively seek targeted evidence before finalising the entry. 

OTA’s submission has been published on the Fair Work Commission’s website and is available here. 

NDIS Commission – Service agreements survey

OTA encourages providers to complete the NDIS Commission – Improving service agreements survey, which closes on Tuesday 31 March. This survey is for providers who prepare, explain or manage service agreements.

NDIS Commission wants to understand what:

• helps you explain service agreements clearly and confidently
• challenges you face when supporting participants to review and sign a service agreement
• would make service agreements easier for both participants and providers.

This survey takes about 5 minutes. Your responses are anonymous, and you can skip any question you don’t want to answer. Complete the survey here.

Member Forum: TAC on New OT Service Model and Access Registry

The Victorian Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has announced a new occupational therapy service model and access registry, with registration to open from 13 April 2026. To support members in understanding these changes, OTA has invited TAC representatives to speak at an OTA Member Forum. This OTA member-only forum will take place online on Tuesday 31 March at 12–1 pm [AEDT] 

The session will cover: 

• Key features of the new OT service model 
• Fees and registration arrangements 
• Next steps for occupational therapists

Members will also have an opportunity to ask questions during the session or anonymously via this survey ahead of time.

Register for the Member Forum here.

Visit the TAC’s website for more information about the new service model and access registry.

VIC Election Advisory Group

OTA invites 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 Thursday 2 April with the subject line VIC Election.

Feedback on NIISQ Provider Guidelines

OTA has provided feedback to NIISQ on its draft Provider Guidelines, with a focus on reducing administrative burden, improving payment and service approval processes, and clarifying requirements affecting occupational therapists, including home modifications, coordination activities and fees. OTA also highlighted the need for proportionate settings for Ahpra-registered practitioners.

Feedback on WorkCover WA Treatment Management Plan

OTA has provided feedback to WorkCover WA on its proposed Allied Health Treatment Management Plan (TMP), supporting streamlining while raising practical issues for occupational therapists. OTA’s feedback focused on decision timeframes, administrative burden, proportionate TMP triggers, outcome measures, and clearer recognition of psychosocial factors and occupational therapy scope in recovery and return to work planning.

Upcoming webinar: Understanding your HPI-I

Do you need an HPI-I (Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual) to securely share health information, but aren’t sure where to start?  Don’t miss AHPA’s next Digital Health Education Series webinar on Monday 30 March, 5–6pm AEDT. It brings together representatives from Services Australia and Ahpra to explain how HPI-Is are allocated, how to access them, and how they connect with HPI-Os for both Ahpra-registered and non-Ahpra registered allied health professionals. 

The session will include presentations followed by a live Q&A with practical guidance for allied health professionals, practice owners and managers. 

Register here.

Support your practice: Complete the 2026 Digital Health Check

Allied health clinics across western Victoria are invited to take part in an online Digital Health Self-Assessment led by Western Victoria Primary Health Network. Running from 8 April to 8 May, the assessment will help practices understand their current use of digital tools and identify opportunities to strengthen digital capability. 

This is the first time allied health clinics have been included, offering an opportunity to benchmark your practice and inform future planning. Insights will also help shape WVPHN’s next Digital Health Strategy and ensure the right mix of resources, training and support is available. The assessment explores areas such as telehealth, e-scripts, My Health Record, data use and emerging technologies like AI. 

Allied health information sessions:

• Wednesday 15 April, 8.30–9am 
• Thursday 16 April, 12.30–1pm

See WVPHN's website for more info.

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 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

While the release date of the 2026 Annual Pricing Review Report is unknown, the NDIA Board will be considering the information provided through the APR consultation.  Occupational Therapy Australia strongly recommends a decisive pricing response to stabilize and strengthen the occupational therapy market under the NDIS. Specifically, OTA recommends:

1. Deliver an immediate 11% uplift to OT hourly rates – OTs have now weathered 7 years of frozen NDIA maximum fee rates, in a period of record inflation and rising business and household costs. Providers are at their limit and are absorbing costs, and many are closing. 
2. Reinstate 100% travel funding for occupational therapy as a core component of service delivery. OTs must travel to conduct therapy and environmental assessments in a client’s natural setting like their home, school or in the community. This is best practice, is required by the NDIS Practice standards, and is not a provider choice.
3. Develop a fit-for-purpose allied health pricing model – NDIA needs to work with the allied health sector and OTA to review therapy support pricing and ensure that NDIA rates reflect real costs, and include report writing, travel and MDT consultations.

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

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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.