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.

National Thriving Kids update

OTA ran the Thriving Kids update across Australia, with each state and territory developing locally tailored supports for children and their families.

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.

OT Mental Health Forum 2026 - Thank You

See you at the OT Mental Health Forum 2026 in Canberra!

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.

Connections Spring 2026

The Spring issue of Connections is now available for OTA members. This issue explores what it takes to thrive as an OT in an evolving profession, with fresh thinking on practice, wellbeing, innovation and the issues shaping occupational therapy today.

It’s time to talk about occupational therapy and dementia

Dementia Action Week (21–27 September) is an opportunity to raise awareness of dementia and highlight the vital role of occupational therapists in supporting everyday participation and independence.

Policy and Advocacy update – 10 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the updated Residential Aged Care Pricing Advice 2026-27, a call for members' input on Women’s Health, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 3 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIS survey extension, updates to the Inclusive Communities Fund, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 27 August 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including TAC recommendations for complex injuries, the Thriving Kids call, and many more.

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.

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.

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.

Digital Health Hub

Digital health is now a core part of how care is delivered across Australia and an increasingly important part of occupational therapy practice.

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.

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.

NDIS Amendment Bill 2026 - OTA Submission

OTA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.

Thriving Kids initiative - May 2026

This document is intended to be a live document that outlines OTA's policy positions and recommendations for Governments as the Thriving Kids Initiative is developed and rolled out.

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.

On-Demand Learning Hub

To explore OTA’s full range of CPD & Events - including live and on-demand learning - visit Search all CPD & Events.

Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology - Learning Hub

Explore our available events on Environmental Modifications & Assistive Technology, designed to expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect with peers through expert-led learning opportunities.

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.

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.

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.

Privacy Policy

Occupational Therapy Australia values highly the strong relationships we have with our customers. The collection of data at Occupational Therapy Australia is being handled with full and proper respect for the privacy of our customers. The data we collect is handled sensitively, securely and with proper regard to privacy. Occupational Therapy Australia does not disclose, distribute or sell the data we collect from our clients to third parties.