Policy and Advocacy update – 23 April 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the announcement on NDIS reform, an update on Veterans' home care, and many more.

Occupational Therapy Australia calls for person-centered approach as NDIS reforms take shape

Today, Minister Mark Butler, Minister for Disability & NDIS and Minister for Health & Ageing, announced the next stage of the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms in a significant pre-budget announcement at the National Press Club in Canberra. OTA is on the ground at the National Press Club today, with our CEO Sam Hunter ensuring OTs are firmly in the frame as NDIS reform takes centre stage.

Research Survey: Parents and Caregivers priorities for occupational therapy

The research explores perspectives on the priorities of caregivers and Occupational Therapists when working with a child and their families.

Rethinking Dementia Care: Occupational Therapists making a difference with Positive Approach to Care

Across Australia, OTs working with older adults often feel they could better connect, reduce distress, and support independence in dementia care—it’s a practice gap, not a knowledge gap.

Research Study: Supervision in Occupational Therapy Practice

The research project aims to understand how often occupational therapists receive supervision, be that individual, group or peer supervision, how supervision is structured, what makes it “quality” and the perceived effectiveness of supervision.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with adults

We invite you to review the draft and provide your feedback by completing this short survey.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal - Call for Editorial Board Members

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ), the official research publication of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), invites expressions of interest from OTA members for positions on its Editorial Board.

Policy and Advocacy update - 5 February 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the speech of OTA CEO Samantha Hunter at Parliament House Canberra, recommendations from Advisory Group for Thriving Kids, and many more.

Environmental Modification Training: A core capability for Occupational Therapists

Investing in formal environmental modification training is critical to ensuring safe, effective, and meaningful outcomes for clients and communities.

Member-only resource: Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists

OTA’s Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists resource, available exclusively to members, provides practical, evidence-informed guidance across the Prepare, Respond and Recover phases of disaster management.

Practice Resource: Occupational Therapy and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

This resource helps occupational therapists (OTs) and key stakeholders understand the specific ways the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards relate to occupational therapy scope of practice.

New Editor-in-Chief Appointed for the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of **Professor Angus Buchanan** as the next Editor-in-Chief of the *Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)*.

Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with older people (aged care)

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care) proposes a series of capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists practising across different aged care settings and support structures. The framework acknowledges that aged care is a complex and multifaceted area of clinical practice and is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

Occupational Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Occupational Therapy – FAQs provides clear answers to common queries about occupational therapy, understand its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and participation in daily life.

Poster - Understanding occupational therapy in education

Download the "Understanding occupational therapy in education" flyer.

Poster - An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education

Download the "An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education" poster.

DVA Overview for Occupational Therapists

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recognises that health care providers play a key role in providing treatment for DVA clients. Occupational therapists are essential allied health professionals who provide services to clients who hold DVA Veteran Cards.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit

The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.

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.

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.