How long is the wait for paediatric OT in Australia?

Waitlist times depend heavily on where you live and which service you access. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, public paediatric OT services can have waitlists exceeding 12 months due to high demand. Regional and rural areas may have longer waits or limited availability. Private practice waitlists are generally shorter because they're not bound by public sector capacity constraints.

If your child has an NDIS plan, you can access OT services through registered NDIS providers. The 2025–26 NDIS Pricing Arrangements set the standard rate for paediatric OT at approximately $80–$120 per hour, depending on your child's goals and support needs. NDIS participants often experience shorter waits than public services because they can choose from multiple registered providers.

To find shorter waitlists, consider these options: (1) Contact your state's public health service directly to ask about current waitlist times—these vary month to month. (2) Ask your GP for a referral to access Medicare rebates (up to 10 sessions per year under the Better Access scheme), which can reduce private costs. (3) If eligible, apply for an NDIS plan to access a broader range of providers. (4) Explore private clinics in your area, which often have shorter waits. (5) Check whether your state offers early intervention services (often faster than general paediatric OT).

If your child has developmental concerns, start with your GP or paediatrician, who can provide a referral and discuss the best pathway for your situation. They can also advise whether your child might be NDIS-eligible. Occupational therapists are registered with AHPRA and must hold current qualifications; you can verify credentials through the AHPRA website.