Australian Competency Standards for OT Driver Assessors 2026

A comprehensive guide to the standards which represent the knowledge, skills, and attributes which the profession considers necessary for driver trained occupational therapists to provide quality assessment and rehabilitation service for drivers with functional impairments.

Professional Supervision Framework - All appendices

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

OTA Submission: NSW Workers Compensation Reform regulations and guidelines

OTA have made a submission to SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) in NSW around the state's Workers Compensation reforms, focused on the strong role occupational therapists play in psychosocial recovery, vocational rehabilitation, and return-to-work planning.

Policy and Advocacy update – 4 June 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including VIC Disability and Autism Plan, NDIS Amendment Bill and many more.

OTA Submission: IHACPA for the pricing framework for support at home Aged Care services

OTA recommend pricing for Support at Home should align to evidence-based business overheads that Occupational Therapists must factor into their operating budgets.

Research Survey: OT perspectives on sensory-based care for older adults

This international survey will help identify common practice patterns, gaps, and needs, thereby contributing to enhanced evidence-informed practice and policy.

All in for National Reconciliation Week 2026

At Occupational Therapy Australia, reconciliation is central to our commitment to culturally safe practice. We work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through advocacy, partnerships, cultural learning and ongoing reflection.

Policy and Advocacy update – 21 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the updates about No OTs, No NDIS campaign, EOI for Thriving Kids and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 14 May 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the launch of No OTs, No NDIS campaign, released of Federal budget 2026-2027 and many more.

NSW Thriving Kids EOI process: Momentum is building and we need to keep it going

The DCJ is exploring a procurement process for a private allied health practitioner panel, with further details expected in the second half of 2026.

Federal Budget 2026–27: What it means for Occupational Therapy

Last night, the Treasurer handed down this Government’s fifth Federal Budget. Alongside property tax reform, NDIS reform is a central feature of this Budget, confirming the Government’s intention to significantly reshape eligibility, assessment, planning and access to services and supports. These changes will have material implications for occupational therapists and people they work with, particularly those working in disability, early childhood, psychosocial supports and aged care. This update provides OTA’s initial summary of Budget measures most relevant to the occupational therapy workforce. We will continue to analyse the detail as it becomes available and advocate on issues of concern to the profession.

Thriving Kids: Where things stand - Major NSW update and consultations in Tasmania and WA

Thriving Kids will roll out differently across jurisdictions, with major implications for OTs and the children and families they support, particularly through varying funding and commissioning models.

Research Survey: Exploring the skills and interventions of mental health occupational therapists

This survey is to understand OTs current practice - who they work with, what interventions and assessments they use, what models of OT they use and what are their challenges and barriers faced.

Stay smart online: How to use digital health systems safely and confidently

This article is the third and final instalment in our cyber health series to help OTs build confidence and stay safe online.

Normal life is being disrupted (again): Navigating disruption in a changing world (2026)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

Member Update: Aged Care Reform Implementation (March 2026)

Watch the recorded updates on the implementation of aged care sector reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

A practical, evidence-informed framework designed to support occupational therapists working with adults across all practice settings.

OTA Submission: NDIS Rules – Public consultation on New Framework Planning

OTA have submitted formal feedback to Government calling for: the release of the Exposure Draft.

Submission: National Disability Insurance Agency | 2026 Annual Pricing Review Consultation

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for a decisive pricing adjustment to stabilise and strengthen the occupational therapy market under the NDIS. Read for more.

Psychosocial Practice v Mental Health OT

Learn more about the distinction between psychosocial practice and mental health occupational therapy.

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.

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.

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.