Exploring general practitioners' perspectives on Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

The aim of this research is to investigate general practitioners' perspectives on occupational therapy's role in mental health care, and the perspectives of occupational therapists providing services under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme (BAMHS).

CPD Joyride in July!

Our CPD and events in July have everything you need to get inspired, build your knowledge and expand your practice. Choose from self-directed study to keep you focused through winter, Interest Groups to connect with like-minded peers, and live and interactive events either online or face-to-face. The only hard part? Making a decision!

Change to fitness to drive assessment requirements for ACT OTs

A new mandatory reporting requirement comes into force on 12 June 2025 for ACT health practitioners registered in the medical, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, optometry, and psychology professions.

Media Release: Minister responds to industry concerns by delaying Aged Care Act implementation

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) acknowledges the announcement by the Hon. Sam Rae MP to defer the implementation of the new Aged Care Act to 1 November 2025.

Delay to Aged Care Act will enable clarification and support transition

OTA welcomes the delay to the introduction of the new Aged Care Act until November as a response to the significant concerns raised by the sector. However, for the delay to be meaningful, the key issues raised by the sector need to be addressed.

Practical tips: Indicative pricing for Support at Home

OTA shares the concerns of members about a number of aspects of the new Aged Care Act and associated Rules, that will come into effect on 1 July. Of prime concern are the recently released Indicative Prices for Support at Home.

FAQ: Setting Up a Professional Practice

Frequently asked questions about setting up a professional practice.

FAQ: Early Career

Frequently asked questions about starting your career as an occupational therapist.

Neurodiversity – Exploring the knowledge and perspectives of Australian Allied Health Practitioners

Understanding where to seek information and how to implement evidence-based practice that is neurodiversity-affirming is currently presenting a significant challenge for allied health professions in Australia.

FAQ: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

See our FAQ on Continuing Professional Development.

FAQ: Ahpra Registration Queries including Returning to Practice

See Frequently Asked Questions about Ahpra registration here.

The enduring value of professional development for Occupational Therapists

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, professional development is not just a recommendation for occupational therapists – it is essential to ethical, safe and effective practice.

Spotlight on Aged Care: How we're advocating for our members

OTA has raised concerns about the new arrangements for funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications when Support at Home commences 1 July 2025, and in particular the lifetime cap of $15,000 for Home Modifications in submissions to the Aged Care Rules.

AI and OT: Myth or Fact?

With so much confusion around artificial intelligence and occupational therapy, we’ve done some fact finding and myth busting to bring you up to speed quickly.

Aged Care Act Rules - Release 2b

OTA made a submission on new Aged Care Rules - Release 2b.

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.

Practice Queries Service

Need advice? Our Practice Queries Service connects you with experienced occupational therapists from our Professional Practice Team. We provide general, in-principle guidance on professional practice matters to support your work.

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 - Acting as an expert witness

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

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.

Position Statement: The Role of Allied Health Assistants in Supporting Occupational Therapy Practice (2015)

This position paper defines the roles, scope, and operational and professional responsibilities of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) in the delivery of occupational therapy in hospital and the community. The paper provides a structure for occupational therapists to effectively supervise and delegate to AHAs, and will assist occupational therapists in understanding the clinical governance requirements in facilitating the AHA role within an occupational therapy service.

Practice Support

Your practice doesn't stop at your clients. Our practice support is designed to help you with your day-to-day whether you're just starting out, an experienced practitioner or managing a business - OTA practice support has been designed to support you.

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.

ACT Advisory Group

The Occupational Therapy Australia ACT Advisory Group represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the state.

Contact Us

Do you have a question about the association, membership or occupational therapy? Contact us.