President’s Report

Associate Professor Carol McKinstry

In my third year in the privileged role of OTA president, I am immensely proud of what OTA staff and the Board have achieved in yet another challenging year. We are emerging from the global pandemic in good financial health, with more member benefits and better prepared to lobby and advocate for Australian occupational therapists. As a Board, we have made important decisions to position OTA for current and future needs, investing wisely to improve the organisation so members will see positive change now and in the future. We are working to ensure OTA is fit for purpose in an ever-changing world.

As occupational therapists, we have seen increased recognition and valuing of what we do. With ongoing COVID cases and the impact of the pandemic continuing to stretch systems, demand for occupational therapy across all sectors has never been higher. With more people experiencing mental health issues, the need for services for those with chronic diseases increasing, and the positive impacts of occupational therapy evident for those with disabilities and ageing populations, demand is outstripping supply and workforce shortages are present in all practice areas.

Australia’s occupational therapy workforce has also changed. We are one of the fastest growing professions with an increasing number of graduates. There are more occupational therapists working in the private sector, providing services in schools, in mental health settings and to those with NDIS packages. Increasing use of technology, such as telehealth and online access to information and continuing professional education, has highlighted the need for digital literacy in the profession. Hybrid working arrangements have changed the way we work, and the type of services offered. strategic projects that have now been delivered, including the Private Practice Toolkit and the Supervision Program. We increased the number of occupational therapists working with OTA in strategic positions to an all-time high. Our Government & Stakeholder Relations team was bolstered so we can respond both in the short- and long-term, building valued relationships with other organisations and government departments.

In a world first, we published the book “Doing our Best”, available in digital and hard copy, which highlights how people used occupation to overcome the challenges of natural disasters and the global pandemic. Emphasising its value, other countries are looking to replicate similar versions of the book. We have also continued our meaningful journey to reconciliation with First Nations people as part of our Reflect RAP, enlisting the support of Bundyi Girri to guide and educate OTA staff and the Board. I thank all OTA staff and members for their extensive work on these projects.

Other highlights in 2022 have included a return to face-to-face events, while continuing virtual meetings and CPD. Annual divisional meetings, the second OT Exchange Conference and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) Congress provided networking opportunities for many occupational therapists both nationally and internationally. I would like to congratulate Marilyn Pattison on her WFOT Merit Award in recognition of the outstanding and sustained contribution she has made to WFOT. Congratulations also to Professor Lynette Mackenzie on her election to the WFOT executive team in the research portfolio and to Professor Elspeth Froude as Congress Scientific Convenor. We are very proud and fortunate to have such wonderful Australian occupational therapists volunteering for WFOT.

OTA had a very popular booth at the WFOT Congress promoting our association, our 2023 National Conference, and the current work opportunities in Australia. In talking to occupational therapy leaders across the globe, the challenges of workforce shortages are evident everywhere. It was fantastic to see the high-quality research being showcased at the WFOT Congress, indicating that Australian occupational therapists are leaders in many practice areas.

As occupational therapists, we have seen increased recognition and valuing of what we do. With the impact of the pandemic continuing to stretch systems, demand for occupational therapy has never been higher.

Next year is shaping up to be another exciting and challenging year for both OTA and the Australian occupational therapy profession. OTA is very prepared to maximise opportunities and increase our reach and influence, both within the profession and to external stakeholders. We are constantly looking to the future and have already commenced work on our next strategic plan. I hope you have the opportunity to take a breath and reflect on 2022 over the summer and look forward to 2023 with optimism and great pride in being part of the best profession there is!