Policy and Advocacy update – 5 March 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including concerns about the NDIS Rules, SA elections, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 26 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the SA election countdown, NDIS 2026 pricing review, aged care updates, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update - 19 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the upcoming Digital Health webinar, updates on the Thriving Kids initiative, and many more.

Policy & Advocacy update – 12 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report, SA state election, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update - 5 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the speech of OTA CEO Samantha Hunter at Parliament House Canberra, recommendations from Advisory Group for Thriving Kids, and many more.

OTA Submission: Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Review of the Aged Care Rules

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this review and to bring to the Committee’s attention a number of concerning aspects of funding arrangements under the new Support at Home program.

OTA Submission: Senate Inquiry into transition of CHSP to Support at Home

OTA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to Senate Inquiry into the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to the Support at Home Program (the Inquiry) and to highlight several significant concerns relating to the new Support at Home program.

OTA’s South Australian State Election 2026 Campaign

The SA state election will be held on 21 March 2026. MPs are finalising commitments now. A short message from local constituents helps put occupational therapy workforce solutions on the agenda.

Submission: OTA’s Federal Budget Submission 2026

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has submitted its Federal Budget Submission 2026, advocating for targeted government investments to support children, families, and the occupational therapy workforce across Australia.

OTA Morning Tea at Australia Parliament House, 2 February 2026

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter addresses members and stakeholders at a Morning Tea held at Australia’s Parliament House, highlighting the vital role of occupational therapy in supporting participation, wellbeing, and inclusive communities across the nation.

Policy and Advocacy update – 29 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the inaugural hosting of OTA Morning Tea, Mental Health Continuum of Care, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 22 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including a near-closing consultation to help shape fairer NDIS pricing, and an OTA call to support the Thriving Kids.

Policy and Advocacy update – 15 January 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the South Australian State Election, member feedback for the new Aged Care Act, EMPHN survey, and many more.

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 Oration Award

This accolade aims to honour and showcase an occupational therapist who has made outstanding, innovative, and impactful contribution to the clinical practice of occupational therapy.

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) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 20 November at 1.00pm AEDT.

OTA Submission - Thriving Kids Inquiry

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability Inquiry into Thriving Kids (the Inquiry).

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.

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.

OTA Research Foundation Direct Gift Recipient Grants

The OTA Research Foundation (OTARF) grants scheme stimulates new research knowledge and supports the career development and capacity of researchers.

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.

OTA Mental Health Strategy

OTA’s Mental Health Strategy was launched on 25 November 2022 at the Mental Health Forum, and will see OTA deliver a range of actions over two stages.

Appeals Process - OTA WFOT Program Approval Committee

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has a process to manage the review of a decision when an education program is not recommended for WFOT approval status.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

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.

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.

OTA Board

Occupational Therapy Australia is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members and/or through the Nominations Committee.

Advocacy

We work to make sure that decision makers understand the important and life-changing work that OTs do with their clients everyday across Australia. We engage with state and federal governments, stakeholders, providers and members to understand and overcome systemic issues and barriers impacting the OT scope and profession by working to change laws, policies and systems. Our policymaking and advocacy work is informed by engagement with our members.