There are many meaningful ways to get involved this week and help shape the future of our profession. Your input is critical to strengthening our collective impact and ensuring occupational therapy is heard where it matters most – in policy discussions, funding decisions and reform agendas.

Our members are at the heart of our policy and advocacy work and we welcome your feedback. Please reach out to us at policy@otaus.com.au.

Concerns about the NDIS Rules: New Framework Planning

Consultation by the Department of Health, Disability & Ageing (DHDA) about the draft NDIS New Framework Plan Rules closes tomorrow (6 March). The new draft rules will guide how planning will work from mid-2026 for some participants aged over 16. The rollout will be phased, and participants will be notified by the NDIA before anything changes for them. 

DHDA are still developing the rules and explanation about how new framework planning will work in practice. The consultation documentation outlines a four-step process: 1) Preparing for a support needs assessment, 2) The support needs assessment, 3) Building a plan, 4) Using a Plan. Under the new framework, a participant’s budget may include flexible funding and stated supports.  

OTA is concerned about the potential impact of these proposed rules on the occupational therapy profession and OT services. OTA has five key messages for members and for the Australian Government: 

1. Release the Exposure Draft of the NDIS Rules: OTA is calling for the Australian Government to immediately release the exposure draft of the NDIS Rules, so the whole sector can fully understand the New Framework Planning Rules. 

2. OTs to play a role as NDIA Assessors: If the Australian Government wishes to create a new role of public servants as NDIA Assessors, then it is vital that OTs are employed by Government to be NDIA Assessors, so they can bring their experience and expertise to complete the support needs assessment and replacements assessments.  

3. Access to therapy supports: OTA is concerned that the New Framework Plans could limit access to therapy supports, especially if the NDIA relies heavily on needs assessors who are not allied health professionals. OTA is calling for no cuts or reductions in therapy supports and that OT supports be included under both stated and flexible supports.  

4. Slow down the reforms: OTA understands the New Framework will start from mid-2026 and be gradually rolled out; however, OTA recommends pushing back the start date to give the whole sector more time to be ready to implement the proposed rule changes. OTA wants a slower safer rollout of the NDIS Rules with real co-design. 

5. Government Reference Group: OTA would like to be part of a Government Reference Group on the NDIS Rules – New Framework Planning, and the new definition of therapy supports.

 
Members should feel free to share any ideas or concerns directly with the OTA policy team via email at: policy@otaus.com.au 

We acknowledge that the current reforms may be causing a lot of 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 also access our EAP service, TELUS Health. Visit our website for more information: Benefits of Belonging | OTA Members’ EAP

Organisations like Beyond Blue also offer mental health coaching for small business owners.

Only 2 weeks until the SA election: Let’s put OTs on the agenda!

With the South Australian election on 21 March 2026, now is the key window to influence local commitments. OTA is advocating for practical, election-ready measures to strengthen the OT workforce, improve hospital patient flow, support Thriving Kids, and progress Return to Work reform. Please take 2 minutes to contact your local MP/candidate using OTA’s email tool and add one local example from your service or region. 

Email your local MP/candidate via our campaign page.

Member Forum: Thriving Kids

Following strong engagement from members at our first Thriving Kids forum, we’re hosting a second session on Thursday 19 March to explore the implications of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report and gather further insights from the profession.

OTA is seeking suggestions from members in this Members Forum about how providers could be commissioned and how funding could work to safeguard access to occupational therapy, including through private practice. We welcome suggestions from members, including insight into the places and spaces in which you work to demonstrate the breath of settings across metro, regional, remote and rural locations that occupational therapy business operate within.

This event is suitable for OTA members and occupational therapists working under the NDIS and/or with children and families.

Register today.

Member Forum: Shaping the future of driving

Stay informed and have your say on key initiatives shaping the future of driver-trained OTs at our Member Forum on Tuesday 24 March. We’ll be discussing the work OTA is doing to update the Driving Competency Standards, highlight key practice resources including the OTA Jurisdictional Differences Table, and update you on national initiatives to support best practice for OTDAs.

This event is suitable for OTA members who are OT driver assessors and those interested in the driving space.

Register today.

Add your name to the petition to end placement poverty

AHPA’s Prac Payment Petition has nearly 22,000 signatures! There’s still time to add yours. OTA is backing Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), alongside Dr Helen Haines MP and Senator David Pocock, in calling for the expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment to include all allied health students. Occupational therapy students complete extensive mandatory unpaid placements, often at significant personal cost. This reform would reduce the financial hardship and strengthen Australia’s future health workforce.

Every signature counts – sign the petition today!