Policy, Lobbying & Advocacy Update

Policy and Advocacy update

This year is set to be an incredibly busy and interesting year in shaping the future of our health care system through the levers of government policy and spending. With a federal election due sometime before the end of May, the team at Occupational Therapy Australia is readying itself for an intensive period of communicating and conveying our interests and issues to those who may determine the immediate priorities of the country.

At the time of writing, it appears that the incumbent government is facing an uphill battle to retain control of the House of Representatives, the House in which government is formed. With the Coalition holding fewer than half of those seats, it only governs because the Labor Opposition holds fewer. Labor needs to win just a handful of seats to achieve a change in government, however there is speculation that more independent candidates will consider entering the race. This could result in government relying on independents to hold the deciding vote at each tabling of legislation. Overall, it appears that we will be in for a close call come election night.

What does this mean for occupational therapists? A close race always ensures that Government and the Opposition are increasingly responsive to bright ideas and sound arguments. Election time always presents itself as a promising opportunity to present solutions to existing issues and to highlight emerging problems within current systems. Whilst state and federal elections provide opportunities to meet with Ministers and Opposition, the wheels of the bureaucracy continue to grind. The machinations of the NDIS continue unabated and with the pandemic entering its third year the national deficit continues to escalate. This will undoubtedly mean that all government schemes, including the NDIS, will come under pressure to curb costs, revise pricing and look at innovative and different models of operating. This has already been signalled with the NDIS and members can expect OTA to advocate strongly for the scope and rate of services that occupational therapists provide for those living with disabilities.

Last year, a review of how we treat our elderly was welcomed with the commitment to a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and as the commencement of recommendations accepted takes place, we will keep a watchful eye to ensure the value of our members is fully recognized and realized. As a society, we are measured by how we treat our elderly, and we should aspire to recognize, respect, and support our senior community members regardless of whether they choose to remain in their own homes or enter other arrangements.

Last year saw the close of a 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. Occupational therapists will continue to work with veterans and their families from not only this war but from conflicts long past, often for the remaining life span of these clients. OTA welcomes the commencement of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. These independent commissions provide organisations with the unique opportunity to have submissions considered separately and impartially from politics. A strong defence of the role of, and opportunities for occupational therapists to work with veterans will be delivered in consultation with our membership and consumer groups representing our veterans.

An enormous amount of work is being undertaken across the country at both state and federal level in the area of mental health. OTA is contributing to the conversation with the Thinking Ahead: The Future of Occupational Therapy and

As a society, we are measured by how we treat our elderly, and we should aspire to recognize, respect, and support our senior community members

Mental Health in Australia research paper. To be released in the coming months, we outline a proposed roadmap for occupational therapists’ contribution of their skills and expertise and for the unique role they play in mental health.

Late last year the allied health sector welcomed the news that telehealth would become a permanent service available to clinicians and clients. Telehealth has been the small silver lining of the pandemic; not only due to ongoing accessibility throughout lockdowns, but it has enabled greater access to clients where allied health access is stretched, particularly in regional and remote Australia. It is not a panacea to our workforce shortage problems but is it is a handy tool in the toolkit of communication between clients and clinicians.

The year ahead looks full of opportunities for Occupational Therapy Australia to position itself for the future. The usual issues, red flags and advocacy and policy issues will undoubtedly raise their heads, and the pandemic and impact on the economy will continue to make the ride, at times bumpy. As an association and a profession, we put our best foot forward when we work together, when we collaborate within the profession, with our colleagues in the health and allied health sector and with our clients. We look forward to working with our members and our collaborators to showcase the incredible contribution of occupational therapists in creating real impact for the community.

Job vacancies for OTs

Looking to grow your team?

Do you need to recruit Occupational Therapists? Target your audience by advertising on OTA’s Classified and Jobs page or in OTA’s monthly OT Jobs Board eNewsletter Looking for a change?

Are you looking for a new role or a new location? Visit OTA’s Classified & Jobs page that shares opportunities for OTs across the country.

www.otaus.com.au/classifieds

YOUR AD HERE