23 June 2025
Thousands join our call for fair NDIS pay
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.
11 June 2025
Media Release. No relief for OTs: NDIS price freeze enters seventh year with services at breaking point
Thousands of NDIS participants are facing longer waitlists and reduced access to critical occupational therapy services after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today confirmed that therapy support prices will remain frozen into a seventh consecutive year.
10 June 2025
OTA Submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee | Mental health outcomes for Queenslanders
OTA provided a submission to the Qld Mental Health Select Committee on their Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.
10 June 2025
Media Release: With ramping surging, South Australia risks losing vital OT workforce over pay gap
Patients across South Australia could face longer wait times and reduced access to care as the state risks losing its vital occupational therapy workforce due to an unresolved and unfair pay gap.
8 June 2025
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.
6 June 2025
Artistic expression for people with disability: AI to foster creativity
Among the most captivating and controversial technological advancements is the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) image generation tools. These sophisticated algorithms, capable of transforming text-based prompts into intricate visual imagery, are not merely a novelty; they represent a profound shift in how art is conceived and created and pose some significant ethical issues.
5 June 2025
Submission: Select Committee on Foundational and Disability Supports Available For Children and Young People In New South Wales
OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the NSW Government’s approach to development of foundation supports for children and young people with disability, developmental delay or concerns.
3 June 2025
Perceptions of Occupational Therapy students on Mindfulness Interventions
This study will explore the perceptions of occupational therapy students about what mindfulness is, what interventions students are most likely to participate in, and what is the preferred design or structure of those interventions.
2 June 2025
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.
22 May 2025
DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recognises that health care providers play a key role in providing treatment for DVA clients. Occupational therapists are essential allied health professionals who provide services to clients who hold DVA Veteran Cards.
15 May 2025
Is it ethical to use AI in occupational therapy?
Everyone is talking about how AI is shaping OT. But what does that actually mean? Dr Karen Jacobs is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her focus? Leading the way in the responsible, ethical implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Here Karen talks with Carol McKinstry, Professor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe Rural Health School in Victoria.
14 May 2025
Application Form - Mental Health Endorsement
Access the OTA Mental Health Endorsement application form here.
6 May 2025
Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses
Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.
4 May 2025
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.
22 April 2025
Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit
The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.
1 April 2025
Workforce Development Project Findings Webinar
OTA held a Member Update on the 21st May 2024, providing an overview of the project findings of the Workforce Development Project. The session was presented by Sarah Jones, Professional Practice Advisor. The workforce development plan was established using an evidence-based approach, drawing from multiple data sources and processes. This included an examination of occupational therapy workforce data, an examination of the national and international literature related to the occupational therapy workforce, an online national survey of registered occupational therapists and consultations with occupational therapists and key stakeholders. More information about the Workforce Development Project is available here.
31 March 2025
Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Environmental and Home Modifications
This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting with environmental and home modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.
31 March 2025
Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Assistive Technology
This Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting people with Assistive Technology (AT) across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.
25 March 2025
Essential Supports for Early Career OTs
Essential Supports for Early Career OTs (Essential Support Guide) outlines the minimum recommended supports that Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) advises for early career occupational therapists. The Essential Support Guide also identifies enabling factors that enhance the effectiveness of these minimum recommended supports and contribute to the success, job satisfaction, and retention of early career therapists in their roles.
24 March 2025
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.

19 February 2025
Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect
Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

10 December 2024
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.

2 December 2024
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.