JCPSLP Vol 19 No 1 2017

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Communication and connection: Valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
JCPSLP Volume 19, Number 1 2017 3
One of the first tasks for the committee will be to provide
advice on an organisational reconciliation action plan. This
plan will outline the systemic barriers to participation in
speech pathology by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
speech pathologists and clients, and undertake activities to
redress those barriers.
Speech Pathology Australia is working with a coalition of
staff from speech pathology university programs to explore
ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
can be embedded within university curricula. As part of this
process, the Association has reviewed the Competency
Based Occupational Standards (CBOS) to ensure that the
standards reflect the profession’s commitment to the delivery
of culturally responsive and secure services for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. When a
more in-depth review of the document is undertaken over
the next few years, the Advisory Committee will provide
further advice on the CBOS.
At the time of writing, Speech Pathology Australia is also
actively investigating the provision of cultural responsiveness
training to support our members (and others) in reflecting
on their practices and how those practices may enable or
create barriers to access and participation in speech
pathology services by First Australians.
Our 2030 vision is ambitious, but one that is attainable
if we work together with open minds, seek to understand,
be prepared to question our practices – even where it may
be uncomfortable – and to make changes. Our profession
cannot afford to stand still; communication is a basic
human right for all Australians.
The Speech Pathology 2030 – Making Futures
Happen project identified eight key aspirations that
reflect a shared vision of the future of the profession.
hese eight key aspirations outline a diverse and dynamic
profession that will enable every person and community to
determine and access the services that they need; services
that promote and support skilled, confident families and
carers, communication accessible communities, and
professional collaborations.
In 2017, our profession does not reflect the make-up
of our diverse and vibrant society. The percentage of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech pathologists
is less than the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people in our community. We need to examine the
impacts that this has on both the profession and on our
services. What barriers are preventing Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people from joining the profession? What can
we do to address this?
For First Australians who have speech, language
and communication needs our services are not always
accessible or inclusive. Culturally responsive and safe
practices that are co-designed by our clients through
choice and knowledge is an aspiration of the 2030 plan.
Culturally responsive services will also, by their nature,
ensure that the needs of families and carers are considered
– that speech pathologists will take the time to understand
each family and their goals, their strengths, their needs and
their way of doing things.
In moving towards these goals Speech Pathology
Australia is implementing several initiatives. The Association
is forming an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory
Committee, which will provide advice to the Board and the
Association on its strategy and activities.
Our journey towards 2030
Building a diverse, culturally responsive Association
Gaenor Dixon
Gaenor Dixon
Gaenor Dixon is the current President of Speech Pathology
Australia and has held office since 2015.