Policy and Advocacy update – 22 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the Child-safe practice in occupational therapy, indexation-based increases to the current Allied Health fee schedule, and many more.

OTA Submission: Future of Funded DVA Allied Health Treatment

OTA recommends a system to support professional judgement, measure meaningful outcomes, and direction of resources to help veterans remain safe, independent and engaged.

Policy and Advocacy update – 15 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the OTA's response to New Framework Planning and NDIS supports, Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program updates, and many more.

OTA Submission: New framework planning and NDIS supports

OTA supports new framework planning’s goals of a fairer, more consistent and sustainable NDIS. However, the draft rules do not directly assess or transparently cost therapeutic need.

Research Study: Occupational therapy practice with children who have complex needs

This study aims to better understand how occupational therapists work with children five years of age and under with complex needs here in Australia.

Thriving Kids: What does it mean for occupational therapists?

Following the Australian Government’s launch of Thriving Kids, many occupational therapists are considering what the changes mean for their work, the families they support, and the future of OT in this space. Explore what we know so far, what it means for OT practice, and practical steps you can take now to prepare for the changes ahead.

Policy and Advocacy update – 8 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIA update on claims for supports, OTA submission on NDIS access reform, and many more.

OTA Submission: NDIS Access Reform

OTA supports the Department's move to a more consistent, evidence-based NDIS access process. Drawing on the clinical expertise of occupational therapists, this submission makes 27 recommendations across six areas: guiding principles, decision-making design, administrative burden, diverse cohorts, permanence and transition.

Policy and Advocacy update – 1 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including an update on Thriving Kids initiatives, funding changes for NDIS supports, and many more.

World Mental Health Day 2026: Together We Thrive

Join Occupational Therapy Australia for World Mental Health Day 2026 and discover how occupational therapists support mental health, connection and meaningful participation.

Policy and Advocacy update – 24 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including an update on SA mental health clinician recognition, the Thriving Kids roll-out date, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 17 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the controversial cap on allied health services for veterans, Fair Work Commission’s review, and many more.

Research Survey: The role of OT in pelvic exenteration

This study will focus on gathering qualitative information through semi-structured interviews with OTs who have experience working with adults who have had PE.

Generative AI in OT practice Interest Group

This Interest Group is open to all OTA members working in or with an interest in the area of Generative AI.

Mastering generative AI: Advanced tools & techniques for OTs

This advanced workshop is for OTs who are already confident with the basics of generative AI and are ready to explore more sophisticated tools and real-world applications to support and streamline their work.

Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

A practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help occupational therapists confidently get started with generative AI and apply it safely and effectively in everyday practice.

OTA Submission: Psychosocial supports advice and actions for Government

OTA established an Expert Advisory Group for Psychosocial Foundational Supports (EAG), comprising twenty highly experienced occupational therapists working across a range of public, non-government and private psychosocial services.

Getting job ready with Clare Jones, Director at MediRecruit

Get job-ready with practical career insights, application tips, and interview advice from Clare Jones at MediRecruit.

Short Course: Safe and effective AI use in OT practice

This short 15-minute course expands on Safe AI use in OT practice. It covers the types of AI being used in OT practice, how to implement AI use, regulation of AI tools, and how to ensure you are meeting your professional obligations.

Tools to assist your CPD planning

By planning your CPD early, you’ll feel confident, organised and ready to make the most of the year ahead.

OTA Policy Submissions

OTA’s submissions represent the collective expertise, experience, and perspectives of occupational therapists across Australia, with the goal of advancing the profession across the diverse sectors in which OTs work.

About OTA’s CPD & Events

Learn from leading clinicians and academics while earning CPD hours to meet Ahpra requirements. Every completed activity is automatically recorded in your OTA CPD Tracker, with certificates included.

OTA Leadership Program 2026

Step into your next chapter as a leader. Join OTA’s 2026 Leadership Program with Donna Markham OAM to grow your confidence, clarity and influence.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 12 November at 12.30pm AEDT.

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.

Across the lifespan - Learning Hub

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

Professional and Practice Skills - Learning Hub

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

Occupational Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Occupational Therapy – FAQs provides clear answers to common queries about occupational therapy, understand its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and participation in daily life.

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.

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