OTA has launched a coordinated, strategic campaign in response to the devastating NDIS decision to halve travel rates and continue freezing hourly pay for occupational therapists.

We're fighting this decision on every front and will continue to take strong action to advocate for OTs and access to vital services for NDIS participants.

More than 15,000 people have already signed our Stop Cuts to Occupational Therapy Services under the NDIS petition, demonstrating the urgency and strength of feeling across the profession and community. Almost 1,000 people have sent an email to their local MP to raise their concerns using our email-your-MP tool.

We’re working hard behind the scenes to create change.

What we have done so far:

• Launched a national campaign including a petition and email-your-MP tool
• Created a guide for Meeting with Your Local MP about the NDIS Pricing Decision to support members to advocate
• Written to NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister and scheduled a meeting with Minister McAllister’s office, and are pushing for a joint meeting between the Minister and all allied health peaks
• Met with NDIS and Health Minister Mark Butler’s office to elevate this as a critical issue
• Met with the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commissioner
• Met with Senator Jacqui Lambie, who then issued a compelling personal Opinion Piece about the importance of occupational therapy access. Read on FaceBook
• Met with The Hon Pat Conaghan MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Social Services and member of The Nationals, along with other Allied Health Peaks
• Engaged with the Australian Greens, who have now issued their own statement calling for a reversal of NDIS cuts for allied health. Read statement
• Written to Dean Winter, Tasmanian Opposition Leader, explaining the pressure this decision will place across all systems, with a request to raise with his federal counterparts
• Raised concerns directly with Senior NDIA staff
• Generated media coverage on Radio ABC Hobart
• Collaborated with Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and other allied health peaks to strengthen our collective voice, including a Joint Statement available here
• Worked with members to collect case studies to help spread the story of the impact of OT, and the effect these cuts will have for NDIS participants.

What we are calling for:

• An immediate price uplift of at least 7% to address urgent viability issues for OTs and other allied health providers
• A fit-for-purpose allied health costing model, to ensure future pricing decisions reflect the real business costs of these specialised, non-medical services
• A reversal of the 50% travel rate cut, which threatens the sustainability of mobile, home-based and rural services and may force providers to withdraw from regional communities.

What you can do right now:

We have been contacted by hundreds of members who have told us what the decision means for their practice and their clients. Many have expressed that they are distressed and anxious and want their voices to be heard.

OTA needs your voice. Whether you’re an occupational therapist, a participant, or a supporter, your action can make a difference.

• Sign our petition
• Tell your local MP how these cuts affect OTs and participants in your community
• Seek a meeting with your local MP to advocate in your electorate
• Share the campaign with your networks
• Visit the OTA website to take action now
• Complete our 2025 NDIS Provider survey to help us understand what the cuts will mean for you, your practice and your clients.

As a profession we are stronger together. This is not about profit – it’s about survival for OTs and the people we serve.

Join us to fight this decision.