Don’t get caught out by new privacy laws (Maurice Blackburn)

Is your practice ready for the privacy amendments? The Australian Government has updated its privacy legislation to include significant changes to the 27-year-old Privacy Act as well as the Criminal Code. Some of the changes, which came into effect in December 2024, will affect the way businesses such as allied health practices operate. This is what you need to know.

OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT)

The British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT) provides researchers and practitioners with the means to access, share and guide the implementation of knowledge and evidence. As the official academic journal of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the BJOT aims to be the publication of choice for authors to publish research that advances knowledge in research, practice, education, and management in occupational therapy.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy fosters advancement and growth in occupational therapy scholarship. The journal provides a forum for leading-edge occupational therapy scholarship that advances theory, practice, research, and policy. 

Evidence-Based Care for Cognitive & Psychosocial Impacts of TBI

This survey examines practices, gaps, and barriers in cognitive and psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI.

American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) is an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which represents the professional interests and concerns of nearly 213,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students. The primary mission of AJOT is to publish research examining the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy practice so that occupational therapy professionals can make informed, evidence-based decisions about best practice.

Stronger Together. The New Face of OTA.

Today we unveil a bold new brand and member experience. The rebrand captures the inclusivity and connection that defines the profession and signifies Occupational Therapy Australia as the single, unifying connection point for occupational therapists across the country, and we are **Stronger Together**.

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

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.

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.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to collaborate with Road Safety Victoria (Department of Transport) and other community, health, disability and industry stakeholders to bring these valuable resources to our members. The resources aim to equip OTs to deliver consistent evidence-based care for users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, and to engage with other health professionals and agencies to optimise outcomes for clients and their families. Each year, over 1,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to incidents involving mobility scooters. Road safety issues are critical to consider in assessment, training and monitoring for both the user and other community members.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Professional risks & responsibilities - Professional liability

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Professional risks & responsibilities - Privacy

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Professional risks & responsibilities - Acting as an expert witness

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Professional risks & responsibilities - Defensible documentation

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Insurance Partner

Aon is the preferred insurance broker to Occupational Therapy Australia. Aon have worked with us and insurers to create insurance cover tailored for the risks commonly found in occupational therapy.

Courses, Learning Modules & Programs

We offer a variety of on-demand, self-directed learning and development, covering a broad range of practice areas and topics.

QLD Divisional Council

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Queensland Divisional Council represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the Division.

Professional Supervision Program

The Professional Supervision Program is designed to...

Compensation Schemes

Our ongoing advocacy work helps protect the financial viability of OT services under compensation schemes and makes sure that people receive high-quality care under these schemes.