Policy and advocacy update - 11 December 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including algorithm-driven NDIS support needs assessments, a call for input from AOPA, changes to Better Access, and many more.

Research Survey: Assessing video-based learning for better relational care practice

The purpose of this study is to evaluate healthcare professionals' and educators’ perceptions of a co-designed, evidence-based video on developing professional, therapeutic relationships with patients.

Connections Summer 2025

Connections Summer 2025 edition celebrates OT Week 2025, the launch of OTA's Innovate RAP, Advocacy update, NDIS reforms in action, and many more.

Seeking EOIS for our State and Territory Advisory Councils

If you are passionate about shaping the future of occupational therapy in your state or territory, we would love to hear from you!

Policy and advocacy update – 20 November 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including updates on Thriving Kids and Aged Care services, a report on the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, and many more.

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

This document offers a summary of information drawn from resources provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Policy and advocacy update – 13 November 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a 12-month Quality Supports pilot to provide feedback for future pricing policy, the new Aged Care Act, and many more.

OTs: Equip yourself for safe, confident Home Modification practice

OTA’s training contributes to CPD hours required for Ahpra registration, helping therapists advance their careers while upholding high professional standards of care.

New Editor-in-Chief Appointed for the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of **Professor Angus Buchanan** as the next Editor-in-Chief of the *Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)*.

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.

Connections Spring 2025

Connections Spring 2025 edition highlights 31st National Conference & Exhibition 2025, CPD calendar, launch of Practice Essentials, and many more.

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.

World Mental Health Day 2025 – Connect with Your Community

Occupational therapists play a vital role in mental health – supporting people to engage in meaningful activities, build resilience, and stay connected.

Adult Health and Disability - Learning Hub

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

Mental Health - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Mental Health, 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: Productivity Commission – Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

In this interim report, the Productivity Commission presents its initial findings and draft recommendations.

Submission: Productivity Commission Interim Report on Final Review of National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

The Productivity Commission (PC) has been asked by the Australian Government to conduct the final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

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.

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.

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.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 5

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 4

As part of OTA's new Professional Supervision Framework, additional tools and resources have been developed to assist in your supervision journey.

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.

OTA Mental Health Endorsement

The OTA Mental Health Endorsement program provides recognition of the additional knowledge, skills and experience of OTs focusing their scope of practice on mental health.

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.

NSW Advisory Council

The Occupational Therapy Australia NSW Advisory Council represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the State.

Capability Frameworks

Occupational Therapy Australia’s capability frameworks propose what best practice looks like in a particular area across the career pathway. Each framework outlines a set of capabilities that occupational therapists may use in their area of practice at the foundational, intermediate or senior practitioner level.