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Professional issues
44 JCPSLP Volume 14, Number 1 2012 Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
4 SPA website
SPA’s website is an almost inexhaustible resource,
containing an enormous amount of information to inform
and assist members in all areas of their practice or study.
These include: private practice resources; speechBITE™ (a
free database that accesses best evidence in all areas of
speech pathology intervention); autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) resources and online education modules; terminology
for modified foods and fluids; graduate
information; lobbying and
advocacy information and
resources; discussion
boards; and member
networks.
Documents such the
Code of Ethics and
Speech Pathology Australia’s
Top 10 resources
Details of all programs can be found at http://www.
benefits-programs
3 Publications
SPA produces several important publications designed to
keep members up-to-date with the latest clinical and
theoretical research. The Journal of Clinical Practice in
Speech-Language Pathology (previously ACQ) provides a
professional forum for members through articles about
specific professional topics and issues of value to the
practising clinician, general information on trends and
developments, and information about resources. The
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
promotes discussion on a broad range of current clinical
and theoretical issues and showcases experimental, review,
and theoretical discussion papers. Archived copies of all
publications are available from the members’ section of the
SPA website.
Bimonthly Speak Out and regular e-News bulletins also
help members keep in touch with what is going on in the
world of speech pathology and the Association.
Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is the national
peak body for speech pathologists and consumers
of speech pathology services in Australia. The
Association strives for excellence and recognition for the
profession and represents the interests of members and
their clients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
1 Membership
Speech Pathology Australia provides many services to its
members, including:
• representation of the profession to external bodies
including government, employing authorities and the
general community;
• public awareness activities and strategies to raise the
profile of the profession;
• publications about professional issues and up-to-date
research;
• continuing education including Continuing Professional
Development events, National Tour workshops, and the
annual National Conference;
• member services including member register, professional
information and advice, as well as practice resources;
• submission preparation and representation to funding
bodies, government departments, and research
authorities.
The Association also offers a range of awards including
Life and Fellowship membership, awarded to members
with an outstanding commitment to and achievement in the
profession.
2 Added-value member benefits
Speech Pathology Australia offers a range of tailored
programs and special benefits to members. Guild Group is
SPA’s preferred provider of professional indemnity and
combined liabilities insurance and a range of policies have
been negotiated to suit the different needs of members
working in public and private settings. Guild offers members
a range of quality business and personal (home and car)
insurance products as well as financial and superannuation
services - for more information about any of these products
or services, contact Guild on 1800 810 213 or visit http://
The Member Advantage program offers a range of
outstanding benefits and discounts on lifestyle and
business products and services, including car hire, car
purchase, Qantas Club, entertainment, books, and much
more. Your SPA membership card and number confirms
your membership and provides you with ready access to
these discounts. Go to:
Additionally, a special member service has been
negotiated with the Victorian Hospitals’ Industrial
Association (VHIA) providing members across public and
private settings nationally access to industrial and award
advice free-of-charge for initial inquiries.