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Speak Out
April 2013
Speech Pathology Australia
Association News
M
embers will have
been following the
Association's efforts to
reverse the Queensland government's
decision to repeal legislation which
would lead to de-registration of the
speech pathology profession in
Queensland.
A poll of members indicated
overwhelming support to continue
registration in Queensland. This
mandated the Association's position
to maintain registration in Queensland
while continuing to pursue inclusion
in the National Registration and
Accreditation Scheme.
With the proposed legislation having
been referred to the Health and
Community Services Parliamentary
Committee, the profession had
the opportunity to submit a formal
submission to argue its case in
regards to seeking ongoing protection
of the public through registration, so
as to ensure safe, competent and
high quality practice by all speech
pathologists across Queensland.
Queensland Branch President,
Dr Petrea Cornwell, supported by
National Councillor, Gaenor Dixon
and CEO, Gail Mulcair, presented
the Association's position with
great clarity and conviction at the
Parliamentary Hearing on 13 February.
Representatives of the Registration
Board, Meredith Kilminster (Chair)
and Anne-Marie Hunter, Board
Member, were also in attendance at
the hearing.
It is disappointing to report that
after this consultation and due
consideration, the government's
review committee determined
that they supported the proposed
legislation, effecting that registration
for Queensland speech pathologists
will cease.
This legislation was subsequently
passed at a second reading in
Parliament, closing the door on any
further negotatiations.
The official date for ceasing
registration of speech pathologists
(and dental technicians) is not yet
clear, however the Office of Health
Practitioner Registration Board will
be abolished one month after the
registration boards are abolished.
Transitional arrangements will be
put in place for obtaining blue and
yellow cards, as required, with a
three month transitional period
provided. We also understand that
prorata refunds on registration fees
will be provided depending on the
timing of registration ceasing.
Speech Pathology Australia will do
all it can to assist members over this
transition period. We are also aware
that non-member speech
pathologists will wish to take up
membership and we are happy for
them to contact us to discuss any
issues or concerns.
This is a disappointing result with
respect to reduction in consumer
protection, given the vulnerable nature
of those whom our profession serves,
however we are very confident in
the competence, knowledge and
ongoing professional development of
Association members, and will actively
inform the public to ensure they seek
services from speech pathologists
who are members of Speech
Pathology Australia.
Speech Pathology Australia will work
closely with the Speech Pathologists
Board in order to provide you with
clear and definitive information as
these changes to registration for
speech pathologists take effect.
Gail Mulcair
Chief Executive Officer
Legislation passed in Queensland Parliament
to cease registration for Queensland
speech pathologists
From left,
Meredith
Kilminster,
Gaenor Dixon,
Gail Mulcair
and Petrea
Cornwell
outside the
Queensland
Parliament.