Strengthening the Role of OT Across Thriving Kids and Aged Care

On 13 November, OTA CEO Samantha Hunter and Head of Policy and Advocacy, Jessica Szwarcbord, met with the office of Senator the Hon. Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education, and the Hon. Sam Rae, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. These meetings provided a critical opportunity to reinforce the essential role occupational therapists play across the lifespan.

Discussions with Minister Walsh focused on the implementation of the Thriving Kids initiative. OTA highlighted the value of OT in supporting children and families, shared key recommendations from the Inquiry into Thriving Kids, and outlined practical models embedding OTs within the program’s rollout.

In the aged care portfolio, OTA’s meeting with Minister Rae centred on the role of OTs in supporting older Australians to maintain independence, prevent functional decline, and reduce care needs. OTA discussed pricing under the new Support at Home model and progressed conversations on working closely with the Minister to ensure the new Aged Care Act – commenced on 1 November – achieves its goal of enabling older Australians to age with dignity.

OTA looks forward to continued collaboration across both portfolios to ensure OTs are embedded in the implementation of Thriving Kids and ongoing aged care reforms.

Tell Us About Your Experience Under the New Aged Care Act

While it is early in the rollout of the new Aged Care Act, OTA is already receiving concerning reports from members about some providers’ approach to pricing OT services under Support at Home.

Earlier this year, member input helped shape the initial approach to Indicative Pricing to ensure indirect costs were appropriately recognised. OTA is now seeking further feedback to inform its next update to the Minister and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA).

OTA is conducting a short survey to capture your early experiences. Member feedback will directly inform an update to the Minister on 27 November. Please provide your feedback by 24 November.

Take the survey here.

Have Your Say: EMPHN Allied Health Workforce Survey Now Open

The Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) is inviting allied health practitioners within its catchment to contribute to the 2025 Allied Health Workforce Survey.

The survey will help deepen understanding of the current workforce profile, challenges, and opportunities across disciplines, informing future planning, commissioning, and advocacy to strengthen multidisciplinary care.

Who can participate?

All allied health professionals practising in EMPHN LGAs: Boroondara, Banyule, Yarra Ranges, Whitehorse, Monash, Whittlesea, Knox, Nillumbik, Manningham, Maroondah, Mitchell (part), and Murrindindi (part).

Key Details:

• Closing date: Friday 12 December 2025
• Time to complete: 15–20 minutes
• Incentive: Enter the draw to win an Apple Watch Series 10 (approx. RRP $650)
• Privacy: All responses are aggregated and de-identified; participants will receive a summary of key findings.

Complete the survey today: https://emphn.org.au/news/help-shape-allied-health-services-in-eastern-melbourne/

TAC’s 2025 Provider Survey Now Open

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is seeking feedback from providers who have treated TAC clients or supported families affected by road trauma in the past 12 months. OTA encourages all eligible members to participate.

The confidential survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and closes 30 November.

Survey link: https://survey.tac.vic.gov.au/jfe/form/SV_bkjD2bJDnjBsBlY?Source=OTA

Productivity Commission Final Report on the NMHSPA

The Productivity Commission has released its final report on the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (NMHSPA) review. The timing aligned with Mental Health Australia’s Policy Forum on 12 November, where Commissioners shared key recommendations.

OTA welcomes the Commission’s recognition of sector concerns – particularly the urgent need to address the unmet psychosocial support needs of people outside the NDIS. However, OTA notes the Commission’s recommendation to delay the next Agreement by 12 months, which risks slowing access to essential services.

OTA will continue monitoring the Government’s response and working with Mental Health Australia and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to ensure the role of OT is central in future developments.

Access the final report here: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries-and-research/mental-health-review/report/

OTA Submission to the NDIS Practice Standards Review

OTA has lodged a submission to the NDIS Commission’s review of the NDIS Practice Standards. The proposed reforms introduce a new Quality Framework shifting from audits to assessments, expanding evidence requirements, and making minor module updates.

OTA’s submission calls for:

a proportionate regulatory approach recognising AHPRA’s existing oversight models that better reflect allied health and small business contexts clearer, more practical guidance for providers OTA also provided feedback on upcoming video guidance aimed at supporting compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct.

View the submission: OTA Submission NDIS Practice Standards Consultation Nov 2025.pdf

Consultation: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard

The NDIA is reviewing the Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard, examining safety, accessibility, quality, and opportunities for innovation and sustainability. OTA recently attended a feedback session with occupational therapists.

Submissions are open until 19 December 2025.

Learn more: https://engage.ndis.gov.au/projects/specialist-disability-accommodation-design-standard-review