If you're an allied health professional dreaming of a new life abroad, then you could contribute towards solving the occupational therapist Australia shortage.

New NAB research shows that Australian business owners are yet to see an improvement to the labour shortage issue, and some believe it has worsened, new NAB research shows. The research also shows more than four in ten business owners (42%) would consider employing migrant workers, foreign students, backpackers or similar in the next six months if available. This was highest in Tasmania (56%), South Australia (52%) and Western Australia (47%), and lowest in NSW (36%).

Although many businesses are struggling with the worst labour shortage that Australia has seen in decades, other industries such as allied health are sadly far more familiar with this issue. As a part of its latest Workforce Census Report, the National Disability Services (NDS) indicates that accessing allied health services was a contributing factor to underutilisation of NDIS funds, particularly for remote areas.

In fact, one of the most notable figures is linked to occupational therapist Australia shortages. Currently, demand for occupational therapy services outstrips supply. This is verified by recent data from the National Skills Commission, which identified a shortage of occupational therapists in every state and territory except Queensland - but what are we doing about it?

Solving The Occupational Therapist Australia Shortage

Today, there are approximately 26,500 registered occupational therapists working across the government, non-government, private and community sectors in Australia. ‘OTs’ work with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement. 

This allied health service can work wonders for those with ongoing pain, injuries, physical and mental illnesses or disabilities that makes it difficult to complete school work, retain employment, meet basic self care, complete household chores, move around, or take part in a wide range of activities.

In addition, occupational therapists recognise the importance of teamwork in their treatment and prioritise collaboration between OTs and clients. Cooperation and coordination with other professionals, families, caregivers and volunteers are important in the realisation of the holistic approach. In turn, they also help to alleviate pressure on other healthcare services as well. 

Demand for occupational therapy in Australia has been steadily rising for a number of years, primarily due to factors including the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and the recommendations of several recent inquiries into mental health care. Despite new university courses in occupational therapy being established nearly every year, demand for graduates continues to outstrip supply.

In May 2022, President of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Carol McKinstry said the workforce needed to keep growing to keep up with demand.

"We've called on the next government of Australia to work with us to design and fund workforce measures focused on meeting the need of an expanded occupational therapy workforce. We would also welcome occupational therapy being put on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, and despite known workforce shortages, occupational therapy isn't currently on this list."

Despite this, the good news is that there are still plenty of pathways for skilled overseas migrants to work and live in Australia as a critical tool to help solve the occupational therapist Australia skills shortage. While it’s a viable option to help alleviate industry pressure in the short term, future migrants need to be armed with the right information from day one if they want to source a long term solution without any headaches further down the track. 

Meet The Experts On Allied Health Jobs Australia 

Imagine a service that helps you take care of the whole process of taking the plunge to live and work overseas. From deciding where to live, securing employment, and helping you to navigate the relevant migration approvals, at Allied Health Jobs Australia, these are the core of what we do best. 

Unlike agents who only help with the migration process, or recruiters who only take care of job placement, AHJA has consciously niched down into allied health as our area of expertise. Fundamentally, becoming an AHJA client doesn’t mean that the services stop once your visas are approved. For people who have made it to the migration application process, our 100% success rate means that we’re just as invested in your journey as you are.

As a qualified allied health care professional, you’re in demand - and Australia wants you. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what a future in the Land Down Under could look like for you, get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation chat to explore your options.