Upcoming State and Territory Elections

ACT residents head to the polls on 19 October, and Queenslanders are also voting on 26 October. 

OTA has contacted key Government Ministers and Opposition Shadow Ministers in both jurisdictions to outline the key issues that impact the occupational therapy workforce and calling for policy change and funding to grow the occupational therapy workforce and availability of OT services.

OTA has called for:

• Financial support to students and graduates to address high cost of living 
• Dedicated funding for formal clinical supervision and student observation days to support safer working environments
• Streamlined access to schools to support student based placements
• Competitive remuneration, advanced clinical placements and greater autonomy to support retention of experienced occupational therapists
• Funding for occupational therapy roles and streamline recruitment to address public health system shortages
• Fair pay, scholarships and financial incentives to support viable careers for occupational therapists
• Investment in early childhood supports and engagement of occupational therapists in their development.

Thank you to our ACT and Queensland Divisional council members for your support to develop these advocacy materials.