Policy and Advocacy update – 23 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the announcement on NDIS reform, an update on Veterans' home care, and many more.

New OTA resource: Normal life is being disrupted (again)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

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.

Normal life is being disrupted (again): Navigating disruption in a changing world (2026)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

Research Study: Early-career OTs transitioning to specialty practice

This study seeks to explore transitions by early career occupational therapists into areas of specialty practice, from the perspectives of both early career and experienced occupational therapists.

Research Survey: Parents and Caregivers priorities for occupational therapy

The research explores perspectives on the priorities of caregivers and Occupational Therapists when working with a child and their families.

Stronger Together: United on the road ahead during disability reform

OTA has taken a measured approach, focusing on stakeholder engagement and behind-the-scenes policy influence.

Thriving Kids at Risk Without the Right Funding and Workforce Model

The interview highlighted the initiative’s potential while raising concerns about risks without proper funding and commissioning.

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.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

We invite you to review the draft and provide your feedback by completing this short survey.

OTA Submission: NDIS Rules – Public consultation on New Framework Planning

OTA have submitted formal feedback to Government calling for: the release of the Exposure Draft.

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International Speaker Tour 2026 - Greg Santucci

Join internationally recognised paediatric occupational therapist Greg Santucci (USA) for an exclusive national tour in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

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.

Strengthening Occupational Reasoning Through Occupational Formulation

To learn more about occupational formulation, join us at our next Occupational Formulation Foundations course starting online on 19 March 2026, delivered by Lorrae Mynard.

Policy & Advocacy update – 12 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report, SA state election, and many more.

OTA Submission: Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Review of the Aged Care Rules

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this review and to bring to the Committee’s attention a number of concerning aspects of funding arrangements under the new Support at Home program.

Plan your CPD for 2026

Plan your professional development, build momentum for the year ahead, and invest in your professional growth to OTX 2026. Join now!

Practice Resource: Occupational Therapy and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

This resource helps occupational therapists (OTs) and key stakeholders understand the specific ways the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards relate to occupational therapy scope of practice.

Department of Health Disability and Ageing - Support at Home for Allied Health professionals

This is a presentation from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to AHPA members including OTA on the key changes under the Support at Home Program relating to allied health professionals.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 20 November at 1.00pm AEDT.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with older people (aged care)

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care) proposes a series of capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists practising across different aged care settings and support structures. The framework acknowledges that aged care is a complex and multifaceted area of clinical practice and is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

NDIS - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on NDIS, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

Consultation on Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission in relation to targeted foundational supports - Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin.

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.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

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.

Workforce

We know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for the occupational therapy profession, such as attracting and retaining OTs. To address these challenges, we've consulted with our members to develop a workforce development plan.

Workforce Development Project

Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.

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