Policy and advocacy update 11 September 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week.

October Interest Groups

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our October Interest Groups. Interest Groups bring together OTs focused on different areas of practice to discuss relevant topics and new developments. The meetings offer peer and expert support, networking and learning opportunities.

MEDIA RELEASE: OTs on the brink as new data shows deep impact of NDIS cuts

NDIS price freezes have left hundreds of occupational therapy businesses on the brink of financial ruin, with thousands of NDIS clients at risk of being left without care.

OTA’s survey of OTs shows dire consequences of NDIS pricing decision

Data from OTA’s recent survey of 600 OTs across Australia paints a concerning picture for future access to OT services under the NDIS, following the NDIA’s devastating pricing decision.

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*.

Breaking: Major government announcement on new children’s early intervention services

This week's major announcement from NDIS Minister Mark Butler at the National Press Club has provided a roadmap for the future of early intervention services for children with mild and moderate developmental delay and autism aged under 9.

Q & A with Catherine Daly: The parent-child connection in infant mental health

Catherine Daly is an Occupational Therapist and Child and Family Therapist who has worked extensively with infants, children and families requiring assessment and intervention for psychosocial, mental health and developmental difficulties. Catherine is a co-presenter with Chris Hodges at CPD Empower’s Brisbane Workshop 2025.

Advocating for improved access to occupational therapy services through Medicare

OTA is calling for better access to Medicare funded OT services for those with chronic conditions.

Big changes in disability employment are coming

For those working in employment support services or supporting NDIS clients to achieve employment goals, big changes are coming later in 2025. Following a review of Disability Employment Services (DES) that has taken almost 4 years, the Federal Government is introducing a new specialist disability employment program called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).

The power of connection: Why CPD Empower delivers more than learning

OTA Chief Occupational Therapist Michelle Oliver reflects on why CPD is so important, not only for staying current in our field, but for reigniting that sense of purpose and professional pride that brought many of us to occupational therapy in the first place.

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: 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.

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.

Connections submissions

Share your expertise with the OTA community. Submit your article to Connections magazine and connect with peers across the occupational therapy profession.

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.

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.

FAQ: NDIS

Frequently asked questions about the NDIS and NDIA.

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Environmental and Home Modifications

This draft Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting with environmental and home modifications across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Supporting People with Assistive Technology

This Capability Framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for occupational therapists supporting people with Assistive Technology (AT) across various career stages and across all relevant Australian service settings.

Research Team Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Clinical Researcher Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Association Awards

Occupational Therapy Australia has an awards program incorporating student awards, national awards, trustee prizes, and divisional awards. Browse to learn more about our current, upcoming and past Association Award opportunities.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

WA Advisory Council

Occupational Therapy Australia WA Advisory Council represents the interests and provides services to members affiliated with the state. The Advisory Council represents the membership and provides advice and support to the operations of the state.

Interest Groups

OTA membership allows you to explore national and state-based interest groups, student and early career community of practice, or national reference groups that help inform our advocacy work.

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.

Disability

We advocate to support and advance the critical role that OTs play in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We lobby for better systems, processes and funding to enable access to safe, quality and value for money OT services for Australians with disability.

Social Justice Groups

OTA members can be involved in Social Justice Groups that learn from lived experience to inform the profession and the association about safe and life affirming care.