UPDATE: During this year’s Occupational Therapy Week, occupational therapists across Australia are making their voices heard. They are no longer willing to stay silent about the critical challenges they face, including being underpaid and overworked. As they celebrate their vital role in the community, they are simultaneously calling for urgent change.
Occupational therapy is essential for many Australians, particularly those recovering from trauma, illness, and injury. However, this year, the profession is at a breaking point. 17,300 Australians, including 4,500 in regional areas, risk losing access to vital care if significant funding reforms are not implemented.
In a powerful move, occupational therapists are launching a video to highlight the devastating impact of funding cuts and therapy hour reductions. The video features testimonials from therapists nationwide, shedding light on the real-life consequences when essential services are slashed. One therapist noted, “When therapy hours are slashed, community participation disappears first,” emphasizing the urgent need for visibility and support.
The situation has reached a crisis level. For the past seven years, there have been no changes to occupational therapy rates under the NDIS. Meanwhile, travel reimbursements—critical for in-home care—have been cut in half, while costs for fuel, insurance, and utilities continue to rise. The result is alarming: 55% of occupational therapy providers reported no profit for the year 2024-25, and 14% are planning to close their doors.
The consequences of these funding cuts are not merely financial; they are deeply human. Therapists report that families are left to shoulder the burden of care, battling for even the most basic support. “Funding cuts don’t just delay progress; they erase it,” one therapist stated, highlighting the emotional toll on patients and families alike.
Looking ahead, the outlook is grim. The inability to access care is not just affecting those already in the NDIS; it’s also blocking new applicants from receiving the support they desperately need. This crisis threatens the very foundation of independence and dignity that the NDIS was designed to provide.
Occupational therapists are calling on policymakers to take immediate action by:
– Restoring fair funding for occupational therapy.
– Protecting outreach and travel to ensure support reaches all Australians, especially in rural areas.
– Co-designing pricing structures with those who deliver the care.
– Implementing true accountability for funding decisions.
The message is clear: occupational therapists want the same outcomes as policymakers—a sustainable, efficient NDIS. They are urging immediate reforms to ensure that quality care is possible and accessible to those who need it the most.
This OT Week, as therapists stand united, they are not just advocating for their profession; they are fighting for the independence, safety, and hope of the individuals they serve. The time for change is now.
Watch the powerful video and support the movement to ensure every Australian has access to the care they deserve.
Stay informed with the latest updates on this urgent issue.
