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'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.

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

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

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.

Western Australian Election

Western Australians will be heading to the ballot boxes on 8 March 2025. Ahead of the election, OTA wrote to political leaders to highlight critical challenges impacting the occupational therapy workforce and service delivery in the state.

Preparing for the Federal Election

With the 2025 federal election approaching, OTA is advocating to elevate occupational therapy on the national agenda. Learn about our efforts and how you can get involved.

Member Feedback: OTA Federal Election Forum

On Wednesday 30 October 2024, OTA held its Federal Election Forum. Members were provided with an overview of our proposed election strategy and provided feedback on OTA’s draft Federal Election Statement.

State-Based Issues

We advocate across Australian states and territories to advance the recognition of OTs and address known issues affecting OTs and the people the support.

2024-25 Federal Budget Delivered – OTA's full analysis

The 2024-25 Federal Budget was handed down on Tuesday 14 May 2024. See OTA’s detailed commentary and analysis of what it will mean for occupational therapy.