Speak Out February 2018

Association news

Board report

THE FINAL BOARD MEETING FOR 2017 WAS HELD AT THE NATIONAL OFFICE ON FRIDAY 1 AND SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2017. THE MEETING INCLUDED CONSIDERATION OF THE ASSOCIATION’S BUDGET FOR 2018, AND A RANGE OF OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC PROPOSALS WERE REVIEWED.

Meeting highlights

2017– 2019 Strategic Plan • A Communication Access Alliance has been established, with two meetings having been held. The alliance aims to develop a national consensus on what is meant by communication access, to form a clear advocacy position and to create national standards in this area of communication accessibility. A subcommittee meeting focused on the development of Australian Standards was also convened. • Development of a Reconciliation Action Plan is being progressed through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group. • The Association’s progress against the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) was noted. • The Board acknowledged discussion at a staff level regarding strategies to diversify entrants to the profession, with a project underway looking at the features of people considering speech pathology as a career and potential barriers and enablers utilising existing research in this area. In addition, communication will occur with two researchers, both of whom are undertaking research in this area. Strategies to further inform career counsellors about the profession, with an aim to increase gender diversity, are being considered and training pathways for indigenous health workers are being explored in communication with the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA). The Board will next meet at National Office on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 March 2018.

National Conference • The Board acknowledged the success of the 2017 National Conference, with record attendance resulting in a strong profit level. Careful consideration will be given to ensure an appropriate registration fee is set for the 2018 National Conference, keeping costs for members at a minimum. Representation • Representation relating to Mealtime Support is continuing, with meetings being held with Federal and State/Territory Disability and Health Ministers. • The Victorian Intermediary Scheme (pilot) is being launched with a meeting of the Panel of Experts (including Speech Pathology Australia) having occurred on 6 December. It was noted a practioner information seminar is planned for the new year. • Speech Pathology Australia representatives also met with Western Australia’s Chief Judge of the District Court, Hon. Kevin Sleight, in December regarding the Western Australian Intermediary Scheme. Professional standards • A strategic paper regarding the future structure of Professional Standards functions was presented to the Board, outlining a range of proposed changes to improve processes and provide sustainability in an environment of competing demands. The Board supported recommendations relating to the accreditation structure, eligibility assessment and practice documents. Further information regarding these changes will be provided in due course. • A review of the Competency Bases Occupational Standards (CBOS) 2011 will commence in 2018. Communications and marketing • Speech Pathology Week 2018 will be held from 19−25 August 2018, with the theme set as “Communication access is communication for all”. • Swallowing Awareness Day 2018 will be held on 14 March 2018, with the theme “Swallowing is ageless”.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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February 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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