Policy and Advocacy update – 30 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIS reform update, OTA warnings about the NDIS reform, and many more.

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for person-centered approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Today, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms in a significant pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club in Canberra. OTA is on the ground at the National Press Club today, with our CEO Sam Hunter ensuring OTs are firmly in the frame as NDIS reform takes centre stage.

Policy and Advocacy update – 26 March 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NDIS Commission survey closing soon, upcoming webinar, NDIS 2026 annual pricing, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 19 March 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including National Reference Groups (EOI) closing tomorrow, NDIS 2026 annual pricing review, and many more.

Member Update: Aged Care Reform Implementation (March 2026)

Watch the recorded updates on the implementation of aged care sector reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025.

Policy and Advocacy update – 12 March 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including proposed changes to health professionals award pay structure, EOI open for National Reference Groups (NRGs), and many more.

March Interest Groups

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our March Interest Groups.

Policy and Advocacy update – 5 March 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including concerns about the NDIS Rules, SA elections, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update - 19 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the upcoming Digital Health webinar, updates on the Thriving Kids initiative, and many more.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal - Call for Editorial Board Members

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ), the official research publication of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), invites expressions of interest from OTA members for positions on its Editorial Board.

OTA’s South Australian State Election 2026 Campaign

The SA state election will be held on 21 March 2026. MPs are finalising commitments now. A short message from local constituents helps put occupational therapy workforce solutions on the agenda.

OTA Morning Tea at Australia Parliament House, 2 February 2026

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter addresses members and stakeholders at a Morning Tea held at Australia’s Parliament House, highlighting the vital role of occupational therapy in supporting participation, wellbeing, and inclusive communities across the nation.

Submission: Department of Social Services consultation on NDIS Supports rule

OTA's submission provides feedback on the overall approach outlined in the NDIS Supports Lists, and specific inclusions and omissions in specific lists, which is detailed in this content.

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.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ) is a leading international publication presenting influential and innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The journal is the official research publication of the peak membership body, Occupational Therapy Australia.

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test - Assessment Manual (March 2018)

This manual has been compiled by VicRoads to provide OT driver assessors with clear and precise guidance on VicRoads criteria for testing whether a person is able to drive safely, legally and independently and meets the requirements for a Victorian licence, detailed guidance on the type and number of driving tasks that should be included in a licence test route and where in the route they should occur, and additional information concerning testing procedures.

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.

AHPA: What is needed for quality allied health in Australian aged care?

As the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety concluded, allied health is a fundamental element of the aged care system, and is essential for ‘reablement’.

Occupational Therapy Australia Oration

The OTA Oration is bestowed by the Occupational Therapy Australia Board in recognition of innovation and impact in the Australian occupational therapy profession which has led to positive outcomes for the profession or those who are recipients of occupational therapy services.

Occupational Therapy Australia Inaugural Members Commemorative Roll

The Inaugural Members Commemorative Roll is a list of members, who at the first occasion either joined or renewed their membership upon the forming of the single entity Occupational Therapy Australia.

Position Statement: Occupational Therapy and Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation (October 2015, amended March 2022)

Developed to guide future practice and developments, and facilitate consistency of practice nationally in the area of driver assessment and rehabilitation.