Whale Shark Occupational Therapy

Directions Website

Whale Shark Occupational Therapy Mobile & telehealth Occupational Therapy based out of Boorloo/ Perth, Western Australia.

29/06/2026

Today we formally launch No OTs, No NDIS, a national campaign powered by OTs from across Australia.

For nearly a decade, occupational therapists have delivered essential supports under pricing and workforce settings that have undermined participant outcomes and increased pressure on families, communities and our broader support systems. OTs have done everything they can to keep participants safe and supported, even as the system made it harder.

For years, OTA has stood beside its members, pushing back against NDIS workforce conditions that have continued to undermine our safe, essential practice.

Last year, more than 16,000 community members, allied health professionals and OTA members wrote to the Minister for NDIS in response to the seventh year price freeze. Despite this advocacy, in the first five months of 2026 alone, the Government has announced a suite of major reforms to the NDIS, including changes to assessors, assessment pathways, tools, framework planning, and price differentiation. Today, proposed budget cuts have been revealed of 10% to capacity building supports and 50% for social, civic and community participation supports.

Each of these reforms and these unconscionable cuts will significantly impact on the occupational therapy workforce and the ability of participants to live independent, and meaningful lives. Restricting participant access to essential services undermines the scheme’s ability to deliver on its core purpose.

In response, today we formally launch our No OTs, No NDIS campaign, a national movement calling on the NDIA and the Federal Government to protect participant access to essential occupational therapy services and develop a sustainable workforce model that ensures people with disability can continue to receive the supports they rely on. That includes:
✔️ fair travel reimbursement,
✔️ a national allied health workforce pricing strategy,
✔️ reversing cuts to capacity building and social, civic and community participation supports, and
✔️ operational reforms that support safe, consistent practice.

This is our moment to speak with one voice, loudly and with purpose. In the coming weeks, we will share opportunities for you to get involved, amplify the campaign and make your voice heard.

Sign up to the campaign now and help drive the change our workforce needs. No OTs, No NDIS: https://bit.ly/4uMAyQu

Feeling proud to share that our voices have reached Kate Chaney MP’s newsletter!Thank you, Kate, for generously listenin...
02/07/2025

Feeling proud to share that our voices have reached Kate Chaney MP’s newsletter!

Thank you, Kate, for generously listening to local allied health professionals and for highlighting the real impact of recent NDIS rate cuts. Your advocacy to the Minister for NDIS participants, women and small businesses delivering essential services means so much to our community.

We’re grateful to have such a dedicated MP representing our electorate.

katechaneymp

Image description: A group of five people stands side by side in a well-lit room, dressed in professional and colourful attire. The background features framed artwork and a bulletin board. The image is framed by a teal border on the left and right sides. On the left side, white text reads “In Kate Chaney MP’s newsletter!” vertically. At the top, bold navy text says “NDIS Update.” Below the photo, there is a detailed message about recent NDIS changes and their impact on allied health professionals, small businesses, and vulnerable community members. The message includes a note of advocacy to the Minister, highlighting concerns about the reform’s unintended consequences.

Today, four allied health professionals including myself met with our local MP Kate Chaney to raise our concerns and sha...
27/06/2025

Today, four allied health professionals including myself met with our local MP Kate Chaney to raise our concerns and share our deep disappointment about the upcoming NDIS funding and travel changes rolling out next week.

We discussed the devastating impacts these changes will have on NDIS participant's access to therapy, their livelihoods, and long-term health and education outcomes. We also highlighted how these changes strip Participants of choice and control; core principles of the NDIS.

We shared facts, figures, and real-world insights about how these changes will flow on to impact WA's health and education systems.
Kate has written to Minister Jenny McCallister, expressed her intention to speak in Parliament, and is committed to advocating on this issue.
We're so grateful for her time and support, and we remain fiercely committed to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of the individuals and families we support.

I have published the information that we shared with MP Kate Chaney on my website, if you wish to use this information in your own advocacy: https://whalesharktherapy.com.au/ndis-advocacy

Photo left to right: Physiotherapist Nicole from Western Kids Health, Speech Pathologist Rachel from Sunshine Speech Pathology, MP Kate Chaney, Dietitian Kim Dutkowksi, and myself Hayley Smith from Whale Shark Therapy Services.

Address

Doubleview
Perth, WA
6018

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Whale Shark Occupational Therapy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Sponsored

Share

Category