Policy and advocacy update 11 September 2025

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

Q & A with Kate Purslowe: Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards updates

Occupational therapist Kate Purslowe has worked in the aged care sector since 2012, across residential aged care, transition care and the NDIS. She is currently the Allied Health Coordinator at Brightwater Group and a sessional academic at Curtin University. Kate brings a deep and practical understanding of the aged care system, service delivery, and is presenting at OTA's upcoming event CPD Empower Perth.

Advocacy and policy update 14 August 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including: clarity on charging for kilometers for NDIS travel; aged care indicative pricing; and the Senate Committee Inquiry on Aged Care Service Delivery.

Advocacy and policy update for 7 August 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including Aged Care Indicative Pricing, Medicare Benefits, WorkCover WA updates and more.

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.

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.

Advocacy and policy update for 31 July 2025

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including NIDS Supports lists developments & travel claiming support; WA and Qld compensation schemes changes and more

Exploring general practitioners' perspectives on Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

The aim of this research is to investigate general practitioners' perspectives on occupational therapy's role in mental health care, and the perspectives of occupational therapists providing services under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme (BAMHS).

NDIA pricing advocacy update

OTA has continued our advocacy efforts this week including a range of significant meetings, leading to some important commitments from MPs and NDIA stakeholder.

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

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.

FAQ: Setting Up a Professional Practice

Frequently asked questions about setting up a professional practice.

FAQ: My Aged Care (MAC)

Frequently asked questions about My Aged Care (MAC) here.

FAQ: Early Career

Frequently asked questions about starting your career as an occupational therapist.

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.

Aged Care Act Rules - Release 2b

OTA made a submission on new Aged Care Rules - Release 2b.

Mid Career 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.

Early Career 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.

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs (Essential Support Guide) outlines the minimum recommended supports that Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) advises for early career occupational therapists. The Essential Support Guide also identifies enabling factors that enhance the effectiveness of these minimum recommended supports and contribute to the success, job satisfaction, and retention of early career therapists in their roles.

Mental Health Endorsement Application Guide

Download the Mental Health Endorsement Application Guide here.

Early Career Support

Update your mobile number

Update your mobile number to access your services

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.

Aged Care

OTA are actively working towards a better Aged Care sector that supports our profession to deliver the high quality, specialised services our older population want and need.