CEO’s Report

Samantha Hunter |

are under development. We are also improving, strengthening and streamlining the Better Access to Mental Health endorsement process with our new mental health endorsement program pilot, which launched on 1 March 2023.

Our work on the development of an aged care strategy is progressing, as we navigate the complex reform program currently underway in funding models and legislation.

Another large piece of work being led by our General Manager of Occupational Therapy, Erin Garner, is our Workforce Development Strategy. This will help us and those we aim to influence to better understand the current state of play, the gap, the risks and the opportunities that exist for the profession and for funding bodies and consumers to better utilise the wealth of skills and experience of the profession. In part, our findings will help us shape the way we can support and resource the profession into the future for long and rewarding careers, where occupational therapy is better valued and understood.

All these deep dive projects help inform OTA’s long term strategy, which the Board of Directors continue to work on. We have been undertaking many consultations as we develop a new strategy and I thank those members who have contributed to the conversations regarding the future of the profession and the association, including what they might, could and should look like into the future.

Whether you are an occupational therapist with a wealth of experience, an early career clinician or a researcher, we are here to help support, protect and promote the profession and you. The strategy will provide us with a clear road map and allocation of resources on this journey. We are excited to see the strategy shaping up and how the association and profession can respond to the rapidly and ever-changing operating environment in which we work, live and play.

Once again, I would like to acknowledge the work of the member-elected Board of Directors who commit untold hours of dedication to ensuring that our association’s strategy, road map and investments support our member needs, speak for the profession and provide for a sustainable future, as well as the members who tirelessly volunteer their time to as convenors, contributors and collaborators – thank you.

Finally, on behalf of the association, I would like to congratulate our President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Carol McKinstry, on her promotion to Professor. Professor McKinstry is tireless in her commitment to the profession, not only chairing the Board but being an active contributor to many association committees, as well as a myriad of other health and community-led boards and committees in her local community.