Announcing the 2025 Sylvia Docker Lectureship Recipient – Professor Mandy Stanley

10 March 2025

Announcing the 2025 Sylvia Docker Lectureship Recipient – Professor Mandy Stanley

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to announce Professor Mandy Stanley as the recipient of the prestigious Sylvia Docker Award for 2025.

Privacy Policy

5 March 2025

Privacy Policy

Occupational Therapy Australia values highly the strong relationships we have with our customers. The collection of data at Occupational Therapy Australia is being handled with full and proper respect for the privacy of our customers. The data we collect is handled sensitively, securely and with proper regard to privacy. Occupational Therapy Australia does not disclose, distribute or sell the data we collect from our clients to third parties.

Meeting Your Local Member Guide

5 March 2025

Meeting Your Local Member Guide

This guide is designed to support Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members in preparing for one-on-one meetings with their local federal election candidates. It provides practical advice on how to prepare, conduct, and follow up after a meeting to effectively advocate for the occupational therapy profession ahead of the 2025 federal election.

OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service

4 March 2025

OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service

OTA was invited to meet with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss our submission to the Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service list. The Chief OT, Michelle Oliver and senior OTA policy staff met with the Department on Monday 3 March.

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Playbook

4 March 2025

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Playbook

The OTA 2025 Federal Election Playbook is a key resource for OTA members, OTs, supporters of the profession, and government officials seeking to understand and shape policies that impact healthcare, disability, aged care, mental health, veteran care and workforce planning from the perspective of the occupational therapy profession.

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

3 March 2025

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.

Announcing OTA's Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit

3 March 2025

Announcing OTA's Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit

With the 2025 Federal Election fast approaching, now is the time to advocate for occupational therapy. OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities.

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Statement

26 February 2025

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Statement

The 2025 Federal Election is a critical opportunity to invest in the allied health workforce and strengthen healthcare services. This Statement outlines 27 strategic calls to action essential for addressing pressing issues. A detailed breakdown of each ask is available in OTA’s 2025 Federal Election Playbook.

CEO Member Update February 2025

26 February 2025

CEO Member Update February 2025

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter shares the latest updates on the outlook for Federal Election, her recent round table discussion with Senator Jordan Steele-John and WA members, capability framework announcements, and the use of AI in practice and how this technology may support, challenge and redefine aspects of the profession.

Terms and Conditions

24 February 2025

Terms and Conditions

The information provided on this website is for use of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any persons acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this website can be accepted. This includes links to all external organisations.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

19 February 2025

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Neurodivergent Allied Health Professional: Barriers and Facilitators

17 February 2025

Neurodivergent Allied Health Professional: Barriers and Facilitators

The study aims to explore the experiences, needs, and contributions of neurodivergent professionals in the allied health field. ...

Exploring perceptions of the allied health role in palliative and end of life care

13 February 2025

Exploring perceptions of the allied health role in palliative and end of life care

This study aims to explore how allied health professionals work with older adults receiving palliative care and at end of life, in Australia; what unique input the various disciplines can offer, and what learning or professional development informs clinical practice.

Understanding and addressing suicidality and self-harm after acquired brain injury

13 February 2025

Understanding and addressing suicidality and self-harm after acquired brain injury

This project aims to understand the experiences, needs, and preferences of individuals with ABI, clinicians, and researchers in addressing self-injurious thoughts and behaviours after injury.

Culturally Safe & Responsive OT for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples

13 February 2025

Culturally Safe & Responsive OT for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Australia-wide survey on OT’s perception of their capability to practice in a culturally responsive way with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Rollator Design and Functionality: a Health Professional Perspective

13 February 2025

Rollator Design and Functionality: a Health Professional Perspective

This study is part of a broader research initiative aimed at understanding the perspectives and real-world experiences of health professionals who work closely with rollator users, as well as the end users themselves.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families

12 February 2025

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families proposes a set of key capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists working across a range of service settings. The framework recognises that paediatric practice is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

DHAC: National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management

15 January 2025

DHAC: National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management

The Action Plan will provide a key step towards a national and holistic policy framework that will support consumers, health practitioners and the wider community to improve the quality of life for people living with pain, their families and carers and minimise its impact.

DHAC: Progress Report - Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

15 January 2025

DHAC: Progress Report - Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The report provides an objective and independent assessment by the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care on progress of the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. It identifies progress against each recommendation, presents stakeholder views and initial observations.

DHAC: Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan (2022-2032)

15 January 2025

DHAC: Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan (2022-2032)

The Australian Government’s Future focused primary health care: Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022–2032 is about strengthening primary health care as part of the health system and providing an agenda for primary health care reform over a decade.

DHAC: Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications Scheme for in-home aged care

15 January 2025

DHAC: Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications Scheme for in-home aged care

The content in this report reflects the output from a co-design process that sought input from older Australians and their families and informal carers, industry professionals and government stakeholders.

OTA Member Logo Terms and Conditions

10 January 2025

OTA Member Logo Terms and Conditions

The following membership logo terms and conditions apply to all Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members. Please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions before you commence using the OTA member logo.

7 January 2025

Honorary life membership guidelines and policy

Honorary Life Membership is granted to Occupational Therapy Australia members who demonstrate sustained, exemplary and impactful contributions in support of OTA and the broader occupational therapy profession.

2025 Tina Champagne Webinars

18 December 2024

2025 Tina Champagne Webinars

After a sell-out national tour in June 2024, Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing back her expertise in Sensory Modulation, this time in the format of 7 live, 1-hour Webinars based on her Sensory Modulation Program.

18 December 2024

OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025

Workforce

10 December 2024

Workforce

We know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for the occupational therapy profession, such as attracting and retaining OTs. To address these challenges, we've consulted with our members to develop a workforce development plan.

Workforce Development Project

2 December 2024

Workforce Development Project

Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.

22 October 2024

Update your mobile number

Update your mobile number to access your services

Team and Governance

3 October 2024

Team and Governance

OTA is led by a team of dedicated professionals who seek to protect and progress the profession.

CPD and Events

3 October 2024

CPD and Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.