Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People (Aged Care)

8 October 2025

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People (Aged Care)

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care) proposes a series of capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists practising across different aged care settings and support structures. The framework acknowledges that aged care is a complex and multifaceted area of clinical practice and is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

World Mental Health Day 2025 – Connect with Your Community

5 October 2025

World Mental Health Day 2025 – Connect with Your Community

Occupational therapists play a vital role in mental health – supporting people to engage in meaningful activities, build resilience, and stay connected.

Access and utilisation of key allied health services by older adults in rural coastal NSW

1 October 2025

Access and utilisation of key allied health services by older adults in rural coastal NSW

To investigate the perspectives of key allied health professions regarding older adults' accessibility and utilisation of their health services in rural coastal areas of NSW against the dimensions of accessibility.

Rehabilitation program development for people diagnosed with BPD

30 September 2025

Rehabilitation program development for people diagnosed with BPD

This study aims to consult with consumers, carers and clinicians to identify which domains of daily living functioning are a priority in rehabilitation program development for people diagnosed with BPD.

Advancing the use of telehealth technology for older people

30 September 2025

Advancing the use of telehealth technology for older people

Advancing the use of telehealth technology by occupational therapists to provide home safety risk assessments for community dwelling older people.

Adult Health and Disability - Learning Hub

25 September 2025

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

25 September 2025

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.

17 September 2025

When compliance hurts: Rethinking OT for children with PDA

When compliance hurts: Rethinking occupational therapy for children with PDA

10 September 2025

Bridging the pelvic health gap for women in Australia

Connections Spring 2025 Article by: Hollie Swanton | Occupational Therapist Janelle Gullan | Occupational Therapist

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

4 September 2025

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.

Win for NDIS transparency in the Senate

27 August 2025

Win for NDIS transparency in the Senate

Thanks to our members who took urgent action on Tuesday by calling their Senators to support a Greens’ motion to compel the government to release a report it received from the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) titled *A fresh approach to NDIS pricing – Final report*.

 Media Release: Support, choice vital for Thriving Kids

26 August 2025

Media Release: Support, choice vital for Thriving Kids

The Thriving Kids scheme will leave thousands of Australians with disability without the right support if the concerns of families and the sector are not heard, according to a key allied health peak body.

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

25 August 2025

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.

Consultation on Foundational Supports for children with developmental concern, delay and/or disability and their families, carers and kin

5 August 2025

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

4 August 2025

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

4 August 2025

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.

Submission: Department of Social Services consultation on NDIS Supports rule

29 July 2025

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

10 June 2025

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

5 June 2025

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

2 June 2025

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.

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 4

2 June 2025

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 4

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

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 3

2 June 2025

Professional Supervision Framework - Appendix 3

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

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

19 February 2025

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Courses, Learning Modules & Programs

18 December 2024

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

10 December 2024

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

4 December 2024

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

2 December 2024

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

25 November 2024

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

3 October 2024

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.

Primary Health

3 October 2024

Primary Health

We advocate for the crucial role that OTs play in an effective primary health system that embraces the spectrum of the allied health workforce.