Michelle Oliver is the Chief Occupational Therapist at Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), where she leads the strategic direction and professional advancement of the OT profession nationwide. With over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist, Michelle plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, advocacy, and practice standards, ensuring that OT remains a well-recognised and integral part of Australia’s allied health sector. Michelle’s expertise spans complex mental health, evidence-based practice, and workforce development, allowing her to drive initiatives that enhance the profession’s impact across clinical, community, and government settings. A highly regarded leader, she has successfully restructured OTA’s learning and development programs to better support members’ career progression while also strengthening OTA’s influence in national health policy. Michelle co-authored the OT Mental Health Strategy for 2023-2024 and has held key advisory roles, including with the Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care, SA Health, Mental Health Australia, and SANE Australia. Her ability to build high-performing teams, foster stakeholder relationships, and provide clinical leadership ensures that OTA remains at the forefront of advancing occupational therapy in Australia.
