Changes to allied health referrals under the Medicare CDM program

From 1 July 2025, there will be changes to the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Program that affect how allied health providers receive referrals

Thousands join our call for fair NDIS pay

OTA has launched a coordinated, strategic campaign in response to the devastating NDIS decision to halve travel rates and continue freezing hourly pay for occupational therapists. We're fighting this decision on every front and will continue to take strong action to advocate for OTs and access to vital services for NDIS participants.

Allied Health NDIS Price Cuts Joint Public Statement 2025

The Australian Physiotherapy Association, Dietitians Australia, Australian Podiatry Association, Speech Pathology Australia, Occupational Therapy Australia, the Australian Psychological Society, Exercise & Sports Science Australia and Osteopathy Australia are calling on the Federal Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to immediately halt and review the NDIS pricing decision which poses a direct threat to essential supports and choice for people with disability.

NDIS Pricing Campaign

OTA needs your voice. The NDIA’s frozen pricing is unsustainable. We’re calling for fair funding now - before more OTs leave the workforce. Join the campaign.

Media Release. No relief for OTs: NDIS price freeze enters seventh year with services at breaking point

Thousands of NDIS participants are facing longer waitlists and reduced access to critical occupational therapy services after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today confirmed that therapy support prices will remain frozen into a seventh consecutive year.

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.

Change to fitness to drive assessment requirements for ACT OTs

A new mandatory reporting requirement comes into force on 12 June 2025 for ACT health practitioners registered in the medical, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, optometry, and psychology professions.

Artistic expression for people with disability: AI to foster creativity

Among the most captivating and controversial technological advancements is the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) image generation tools. These sophisticated algorithms, capable of transforming text-based prompts into intricate visual imagery, are not merely a novelty; they represent a profound shift in how art is conceived and created and pose some significant ethical issues.

Media Release: Minister responds to industry concerns by delaying Aged Care Act implementation

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) acknowledges the announcement by the Hon. Sam Rae MP to defer the implementation of the new Aged Care Act to 1 November 2025.

Delay to Aged Care Act will enable clarification and support transition

OTA welcomes the delay to the introduction of the new Aged Care Act until November as a response to the significant concerns raised by the sector. However, for the delay to be meaningful, the key issues raised by the sector need to be addressed.

Three key takeaways from the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference

OTA recently attended the 2025 DSC NDIS Conference in Melbourne on 20 and 21 May, which highlighted three critical challenges facing the disability sector: NDIS pricing issues, delays in foundational supports, and a growing lack of trust within the sector.

Our top 5 CPD on-demand!

Have you ever wondered what other OTs do for their professional development? And to meet their Ahpra CPD standards? We've put together our top 5 most popular CPD on-demand to give you some inspiration: 1. Functional Cognition Explained 2. Talking Toileting: Series 1 & 2 3. Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice 4. Palliative Care E-Learning Modules 5. Mental Health Foundation Modules Need something to suit your busy schedule? Explore our affordable, on-demand CPD library.

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

FAQ: Ahpra Registration Queries including Returning to Practice

See Frequently Asked Questions about Ahpra registration here.

OT School of Victoria Clinical Award

In 2019, trustees of the OT Trust Fund donated funds to OTA, which established the Occupational Therapy School of Victoria Clinical Award. The award aims to promote advancement in clinical practice by supporting members of OTA to engage in clinical-based projects or studies.

Karen Jacobs Tour 2025

Join Dr. Karen Jacobs for a two-day workshop that will bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and practical clinical applications in occupational therapy.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Consumers

A comprehensive guide for consumers has been developed by the Department of Transport with input from topic experts and other stakeholders.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to collaborate with Road Safety Victoria (Department of Transport) and other community, health, disability and industry stakeholders to bring these valuable resources to our members. The resources aim to equip OTs to deliver consistent evidence-based care for users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, and to engage with other health professionals and agencies to optimise outcomes for clients and their families. Each year, over 1,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to incidents involving mobility scooters. Road safety issues are critical to consider in assessment, training and monitoring for both the user and other community members.

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test Toolkit

A collection of resources to assist OT driver assessors.

VicRoads: Road Safety Victoria -Occupational Therapy Driving Test Webinar Series (2020)

This 3 part series in completing on road driving assessments in Victoria were developed as part of a VicRoads and Road Safety Victoria Department of Transport project.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Exposure to COVID-19 in the Course of Your Employment

See the attachment below for this fact sheet by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, a Corporate Partner of Occupational Therapy Australia.

DHAC: Progress Report - Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The report provides an objective and independent assessment by the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care on progress of the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. It identifies progress against each recommendation, presents stakeholder views and initial observations.

OTA 2025 Federal Election Toolkit

OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities for the 2025 Australian Federal Election.

OT Notification Navigator Service

Full-Time, Part-Time and New Graduate members who receive a notification from industry regulators can utilise this service to access guidance from a qualified Occupational Therapist about how to navigate the notification process.

QLD Divisional Council

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Queensland Divisional Council represents the interests and provides advice to support the members affiliated with the Division.

History

Occupational Therapy Australia was formed in 2009 after national members voted to consolidate all divisions within the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) to form Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.