Blogs

Hi everyone, Please note that, due to popular request, our Advocacy survey deadline has been extended until Monday 16 December, 11:59pm (AEDT). It will only take 10 minutes, and y our responses will shape our advocacy priorities and how we approach professional regulation. Have your say here Here’s what’s includ ed in the survey: Part 1: Federal election priorities (open to SPA members in Australia ) Share your thoughts on the F ederal issues that impact our profession. You’ll notice that the questions focus on key issues ...

Hi everyone, Keep an eye out today as y ou’ll receive an email inviting you to complete an advocacy survey. As we prepare for the next Federal election and upcoming regulatory meetings, we w ant to capture your views on the key issues that matter most to you. It will only take 10 minutes, and y our responses will shape our advocacy priorities and how we approach professional regulation. Here’s what’s includ ed in the survey: Part 1: Federal election priorities (open to SPA members in Australia ) Share your thoughts on the F ederal ...

We have been contacted by the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre. They provide crisis response to adults and children fleeing acute family violence situations. https://safesteps.org.au/ They are looking to engage a speech pathologist (or team) to collaborate in creating some resources for their high security refuges to support children with additional communication needs. They are state funded (based in Victoria) and are operating on tight budgets, so are hoping for pro-bono, but do understand that that might not be possible and so are aware they might need to negotiate a fee. If you have capacity and are interested in being involved ...

We have been contacted by the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre. They provide crisis response to adults and children fleeing acute family violence situations. https://safesteps.org.au/ They are looking to engage a speech pathologist (or team) to collaborate in creating some resources for their high security refuges to support children with additional communication needs. They are state funded (based in Victoria) and are operating on tight budgets, so are hoping for pro-bono, but do understand that that might not be possible and so are aware they might need to negotiate a fee. If you have capacity and are interested in being involved ...

Did you get to see speech pathology featured in Episode 2 of Maggie Beer's Big Mission this week? Here's a little taster from the show, highlighting impacts of dysphagia, use of texture modification and speech pathologist Natalie O'Brien : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9dSiT3Sscc/?igsh=Mm81bXBubG45YTc4 You can watch all episodes of the show now on ABC iView, catch up on further details on SPA's social media posts and stay tuned for next week's Speak Up Podcast with Natalie and Jade Cartwright discussing their involvement and learnings with the show

The Code of Conduct for certain health care workers (Code of Conduct) will soon be implemented in Western Australia and the Indian Ocean Territories. The Code applies to health care workers who are unregistered, which includes speech pathologists and sets minimum standards of practice. The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) can investigate a health care worker's conduct, warn the public and prohibit the health care worker from practising if they are considered a serious risk to public health and safety. Clinicians must display the code at their practice . Under the Code of Conduct, health care workers: MUST ...

Hi all, Last minute call out re our Project Officer positions. I'm really excited about these resources (obviously...). Thanks to those who have already expressed interest in the position or being part of the working group. Please see details below. PROJECT OFFICERS Lead the development of Association practice documents 1. Working with individuals with disability and their families/support networks - NEW Position Statement 2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - REVISED Practice Guideline Closing date: 10 March 2023 For more information: http://spano.informz.ne ...

Hi all, Some of you would have seen the news on Friday that the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) has been abolished. The AAT is where participants go when they have already had a review of a decision by the NDIS and not been successful, such as trying to access to the Scheme, or when their plan has been cut or a specific item denied. See press release here . In addition to this, the NDIS announced ( here ) that they are expanding the Independent Expert Review process, which is a new process helping to deal with the backlog of cases that were at the AAT. Cases due to present at the AAT are first reviewed by an independent panel member (who doesn't ...

Hi Aged Care Community! The Aged Care Quality Standards are currently being reviewed, and the Department of Health and Aged Care is welcoming public submissions by close 25 November 2022 . You can find a link to the revised Standards here: Revised Aged Care Quality Standards – detailed draft for public consultation | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and can submit via the survey but also in whatever form you like - eg short targeted letter etc Survey and consultation papers: revised Aged Care Quality Standards - Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub (health.gov.au) Why does this matter? - We need these to be right for regulation ...

Speech Pathology Australia has played a significant role in the advocacy for, and implementation of, intermediary programs across Australian states and territories, and will continue to support them in any way we can. The role of an intermediary in supporting the communication between someone with communication needs and the police/courts as they navigate the justice system is vital, and is revolutionising people's participation in the justice process. Further information on the role of an intermediary can be found in the Speech Pathology in Justice Clinical Guideline, or in the Speak Up podcast Saeson 4, Ep3. We are thrilled that the ACT are expanding their ...

The Association is aware that members are currently experiencing significant issues completing their membership renewal at this time. While our IT systems have the capacity for the significant number of renewals, we are experiencing technical issues that relate to an external provider (server). These issues impact directly on access the SPA website and renewal process via the member portal. The Association and our IT provider are working urgently on this matter and hope to have the systems supporting the renewal period return to normal as soon as possible. The Association will share more communications with all members as soon as the ...