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.

Advocacy and policy update for 7 August 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including Aged Care Indicative Pricing, Medicare Benefits, WorkCover WA updates and more.

Big changes in disability employment are coming

For those working in employment support services or supporting NDIS clients to achieve employment goals, big changes are coming later in 2025. Following a review of Disability Employment Services (DES) that has taken almost 4 years, the Federal Government is introducing a new specialist disability employment program called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).

Advocacy and policy update for 31 July 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NIDS Supports lists developments & travel claiming support; WA and Qld compensation schemes changes and more

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.

SA OTs secure stronger EBA

A new standalone Allied Health EBA has been endorsed by 80.1% of voters, delivering a 13.5% pay rise and improved conditions for South Australia’s allied health workforce.

Foundational Supports & NDIS: Release of Grattan Institute report

The Grattan Institute released a report last week, Saving the NDIS. This adds to the literature informing the NDIS reform landscape that OTs are navigating and will continue to navigate as services for children with developmental delay and disability, and for people with psychosocial disability transition to Foundational Supports.

FAQ: OTA NDIS Pricing Campaign

This FAQ provides answers to common questions about OTA's NDIS Pricing Campaign, including key issues raised, advocacy efforts, and how occupational therapists can support fair and sustainable pricing under the NDIS.

NDIA pricing advocacy update

OTA has continued our advocacy efforts this week including a range of significant meetings, leading to some important commitments from MPs and NDIA stakeholder.

Changes to allied health referrals under the Medicare CDM program

From 1 July 2025, there will be changes to the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Program that affect how allied health providers receive referrals

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.

Allied Health NDIS price cuts joint public statement 2025

The Australian Physiotherapy Association, Dietitians Australia, Australian Podiatry Association, Speech Pathology Australia, Occupational Therapy Australia, the Australian Psychological Society, Exercise & Sports Science Australia and Osteopathy Australia are calling on the Federal Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to immediately halt and review the NDIS pricing decision which poses a direct threat to essential supports and choice for people with disability.

NDIS Pricing Campaign

OTA needs your voice. The NDIA’s frozen pricing is unsustainable. We’re calling for fair funding now - before more OTs leave the workforce. Join the campaign.

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

OTseeker

The OTseeker database provides abstracts of systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and other resources appropriate to OT interventions. The database is more comprehensive pre-2016 and should be complemented with other resources (PubMed, OT journals and Google Scholar) for findings on more recent research.

Member Benefits

Learn about all your benefits as a member of Occupational Therapy Australia by downloading the Member Benefits flyer below.

OTA Research Foundation

Research and the publication of evidence for occupational therapy is crucial to OTA’s strategic plan. We are the collector, curator, contributor and disseminator of evidence-based learning and ongoing knowledge, understanding and translation to action.

Research Team Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Clinical Researcher Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Mid Career Researcher Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Early Career Researcher Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Membership

We offer memberships that empower your career. Our memberships are designed to match your level of experience with benefits designed to help you and your practice.

Legal Partner

Insurance Partner

Aon is the preferred insurance broker to Occupational Therapy Australia. Aon have worked with us and insurers to create insurance cover tailored for the risks commonly found in occupational therapy.

OTA Members’ EAP

We have partnered with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider TELUS Health. TELUS Health is a full-service assistance program providing confidential work, life and well-being consultations.

Update your mobile number

Update your mobile number to access your services

Member Benefits

As a member of Occupational Therapy Australia, you'll receive benefits that make a tangible difference to your practice and the profession.