The pace of change across the NDIS and aged care reform agenda is accelerating.

In the past week alone, Minister Mark Butler has outlined significant reform directions, Occupational Therapy Australia has responded to concerns about workforce redistribution and, while we don’t have a date for it, the annual NDIS pricing review has drawn closer. We are hosting a Member Forum on 15 May where we will be discussing recent changes to the NDIS, including around eligibility, plan size, and the way the scheme operates.

We recognise that members may be feeling concerned about what comes next. This update includes a recap of recent developments and what’s next.

Member Forum – NDIS reform update

Our upcoming Member Forum on Friday 15 May will provide an opportunity to discuss recent changes announced to the NDIS, which represent the most significant reforms since the Scheme began. The changes will be implemented as part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, and implementing legislation is expected to be released around the same time.

As focus turns to the sustainability of the NDIS and funding into the future, this forum will provide a chance to discuss what we know about the Budget, decisions around reform, and to hear more from members about your thoughts, experiences, concerns and suggestions.  

We encourage members to send questions for the forum to policy@otaus.com.au

Register here.

OTA warns against “redistribution” of OTs away from the NDIS

We are aware of recent media coverage following comments from Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler about upcoming NDIS reforms and the expected “redistribution” of the allied health workforce away from the NDIS and into other sectors.

Read our full our response to the Minister’s comments here.

Occupational therapists are central to the NDIS. We are uniquely trained to assess how disability impacts participation in everyday life and deliver capacity‑building supports that enable participants to develop skills, increase independence and engage meaningfully.

Shifting OTs around to other services won’t fix the real problem: workforce shortages across the NDIS, aged care, hospitals, mental health and veterans’ services. Australia does not have enough occupational therapists to meet demand across the system.

These workforce pressures are emerging alongside significant changes to NDIS planning and assessment. We are deeply concerned about the risks posed by the proposed New Framework Planning Rules. OTs are uniquely qualified to do this work.

A sustainable NDIS workforce depends on a strong training pipeline, not just market signals. OT students are excluded from the Commonwealth Prac Payment, contributing to placement poverty. If we don’t invest in students now, these workforce shortages will continue – no matter how demand is shifted.

OTA will continue to advocate strongly for our members and the participants you support every day.

Minister Mark Butler outlines next stage of NDIS reforms

On 22 April, Minister Mark Butler announced the next stage of the NDIS Reforms in a major pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club. Our immediate focus is on understanding the details, including the proposed legislative changes and proposed standardised evidence-based assessments, and how these may impact the profession. We will be consulting closely with members before finalising a full response – your insights will be critical in shaping how we continue to advocate for and support the profession.

Read more about the announcements here.

Integrity of the NDIS – OTA Submission

OTA has provided a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Integrity of the NDIS. We are concerned about the heightened vulnerability of early career practitioners working in or alongside the NDIS. New graduates and clinicians in their first years of practice may have limited experience navigating complex funding rules, high workloads, and competing expectations from participants, families, support coordinators and providers.

Click this link to view our submission.

Reminder: Webinar – My Health Record in Practice

Join national experts in this AHPA webinar for a practical session that will give you a clear understanding of how to access and use My Health Record. Learn how to access, share and apply clinical information securely, connect via software or the National Provider Portal, and understand the impact of sharing by default.

When: Wednesday 6 May, 5–6pm AEST

Register on the AHPA website.