Occupational Therapy Australia

Browse the latest OTA updates, industry news and OT developments across Australia.

News | Media

Current Issues

We are in the midst of a once in a generation change in the way health, disability and aged care services are delivered. Essentially this is a shift from block funding to a client-directed care model, with funding tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs. This shift is most noticeable at the moment in the NDIS and My Aged Care.

This represents a great new opportunity for OTs but inevitably such change gives rise to problems. OTA seeks to identify these problems and propose solutions.

In developing submissions, media releases and its stance on important issues, OTA seeks consultation with members, interest groups and other peak professional bodies. OTA’s advocacy efforts involve regular interactions with key departmental and agency figures and, when this engagement proves less than satisfactory, approaches to the relevant government minister.

What is a Submission?

Written submissions are often called on by parliamentary committees, and other bodies conducting inquiries, including but not limited to: Royal Commissions, government departments and agencies, the Productivity Commission and the offices of the ombudsman. Submissions are a way that an inquiry can gather evidence and views about a particular issue.

Submissions are an important part of informing inquiries about an issue, and can be made by any person or organisation. Submissions put forward a case about an issue, and will often make recommendations as to what can be done about the issue.

A submission alerts the inquiring committee to how a person or organisation feels about the particular issue. The committee may incorporate the evidence and views put forward in submissions when reporting to government and making recommendations about the direction government should take going forward with respect to an issue.

OTA makes submissions to inquiries to inform and influence government and other key stakeholders about issues that are important to occupational therapists and their clients.