OTA steps up national advocacy in Canberra and Sydney

Last week, OTA ramped up our national advocacy efforts, with our Chief Executive Officer and Head of Policy & Advocacy meeting federal politicians and sector representatives in Canberra and Sydney.

Policy and advocacy update 11 September 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week.

Learning that sets the standard for OTs Working with Children, Young People & Families

Every occupational therapist deserves to feel confident in their practice – this is especially true for foundational practitioners, whether they are new to the profession, returning after a break from practice, or moving into a new area of practice.

MEDIA RELEASE: OTs on the brink as new data shows deep impact of NDIS cuts

NDIS price freezes have left hundreds of occupational therapy businesses on the brink of financial ruin, with thousands of NDIS clients at risk of being left without care.

OTA’s survey of OTs shows dire consequences of NDIS pricing decision

Data from OTA’s recent survey of 600 OTs across Australia paints a concerning picture for future access to OT services under the NDIS, following the NDIA’s devastating pricing decision.

A grounded theory study: Mental health professionals’ perspectives on the involvement of police for people experiencing mental health issues

The research seeks to understand the experiences and decision-making related to mental health professionals’ involvement of police in adult community-based mental health settings.

Stronger foundations, smarter practice: Introducing OTA’s Practice Essentials

Ailsa Leslie, Head of Professional Practice at OTA, shares her thoughts on OTA's  Practice Essentials – a new suite of learning programs designed to ensure you’re practising with clarity, confidence, and credibility. 

FAQ: Environmental and Home Modifications

FAQs on home and environmental modifications.

Q & A with Kate Purslowe: Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards updates

Occupational therapist Kate Purslowe has worked in the aged care sector since 2012, across residential aged care, transition care and the NDIS. She is currently the Allied Health Coordinator at Brightwater Group and a sessional academic at Curtin University. Kate brings a deep and practical understanding of the aged care system, service delivery, and is presenting at OTA's upcoming event CPD Empower Perth.

Poster - Understanding occupational therapy in education

Download the "Understanding occupational therapy in education" flyer.

Poster - An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education

Download the "An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education" poster.

Advocacy and policy update 14 August 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including: clarity on charging for kilometers for NDIS travel; aged care indicative pricing; and the Senate Committee Inquiry on Aged Care Service Delivery.

Q & A with Catherine Daly: The parent-child connection in infant mental health

Catherine Daly is an Occupational Therapist and Child and Family Therapist who has worked extensively with infants, children and families requiring assessment and intervention for psychosocial, mental health and developmental difficulties. Catherine is a co-presenter with Chris Hodges at CPD Empower’s Brisbane Workshop 2025.

State and Territory Advisory Councils

State and Territory Advisory Councils are advisory councils of OTA members from across states and territories to bring voice to local and state-based issues affecting occupational therapists and communities. Advisory Councils provide pivotal intelligence to inform OTA of the opportunities, emerging issues, and changing landscape to enable OTA to be responsive to all of our members' needs, no matter where they reside.

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.

Practice Essentials

OTA’s Practice Essentials are self-directed, online learning modules designed to help you meet the demands of your practice area – with confidence and competence – at the foundational level.

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.

Privacy Policy

Occupational Therapy Australia values highly the strong relationships we have with our customers. The collection of data at Occupational Therapy Australia is being handled with full and proper respect for the privacy of our customers. The data we collect is handled sensitively, securely and with proper regard to privacy. Occupational Therapy Australia does not disclose, distribute or sell the data we collect from our clients to third parties.

Terms and Conditions

The information provided on this website is for use of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any persons acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this website can be accepted. This includes links to all external organisations.

Professional Supervision

Grounded in principles including reflective practice, self-directed learning, and critical feedback, professional supervision empowers supervisees to take control of their own learning and development, and provides a platform for self-directed growth, skill development, problem solving and wellbeing.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Practice Queries Service

Need advice? Our Practice Queries Service connects you with experienced occupational therapists from our Professional Practice Team. We provide general, in-principle guidance on professional practice matters to support your work.

Practice Support

Your practice doesn't stop at your clients. Our practice support is designed to help you with your day-to-day whether you're just starting out, an experienced practitioner or managing a business - OTA practice support has been designed to support you.

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.

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.