OTA responds to New Framework Planning consultation

OTA has made a submission to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s consultation on New Framework Planning and NDIS supports.

We support the Government’s goals for a fairer, more consistent and more sustainable NDIS. We also welcome the move toward consistent assessment, clearer rules and more transparent budgets. However, the draft rules do not directly assess or transparently cost therapeutic need at any stage, from assessment through to plan variation.

Our 28 recommendations aim to make therapy supports visible, measurable and protected within the framework. Key recommendations include:

• a therapy-targeted assessment module, in line with existing modules for assistive technology and home modifications
• a defined opportunity for treating professionals to supply evidence before a support needs assessment report is finalised
• publication of the methodology used to set therapy funding
• the option for participants to protect therapy funding based on evidenced therapeutic need
• a plan variation pathway when clinical evidence shows a moderate change in need
• a required occupational therapy driver assessment before funding for specialised driver training.

When therapeutic need is assessed directly, funded transparently and reviewed against measurable outcomes, the resulting capacity building will strengthen functional capacity, participation, choice and agency. It can also reduce reliance on more intensive paid supports over time.

Thank you to the members who shared their experiences to inform this submission.

Read the full submission here.

Do you work in workers compensation in NSW?

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority is inviting feedback on an issues paper examining whether the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale (PIRS) remains fit for purpose within NSW’s workers compensation scheme. The independent review, led by former NSW Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright PSM, will consider whether PIRS delivers fair and consistent assessments and explore alternative approaches to assessing whole person impairment following psychological injury.

This feedback will help inform recommendations on how permanent impairment from psychological injury should be assessed in NSW. The review’s recommendations will be developed through a series of reports, with the final report to be tabled in the NSW Parliament in August 2027.

Public consultation is now open via the Have Your Say website, with submissions accepted until 5pm on 13 November 2026.

DVA tender open: Provision of Veterans’ Home Care Assessment and Coordination Services for Entitled Persons

The Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program provides in-home care and support services to help people who are frail or have disabilities maintain their independence.

OTA members should note that applications from joint ventures or consortia will only be considered where contracting is undertaken through a single legal entity, with all members identified.

Applicants will need to demonstrate an understanding of the impacts of military service and the care needs of veterans, their carers and families, including how these may differ from those of the broader Australian population.

DVA will hold an industry briefing for interested applicants at a date to be announced. The tender closes on 6 November 2026.