Speak Out June 2018

Association news

Board report THE SECOND BOARD MEETING FOR 2018 WAS HELD IN MELBOURNE ON 10 – 11 MAY 2018. Meeting highlights Ethics and professional issues

• The Association continues to pursue full membership of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP), and is awaiting the outcome of our application. • The Board endorsed the initial requirements and guidelines for reporting on incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander content, pedagogies and assessments into speech pathology curricula. Professional practice • The Clinical Education in Australia: Building a profession for the future report was accepted by the Board and will be made available to members in the coming months. • The Board’s commitment to ensuring cultural awareness is embraced by the membership was further demonstrated, with approval given for the Association to host four member workshops and follow-up webinars. • Dr Julie Chichero has recently been engaged as project consultant to support the Australian Implementation of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). • The National Early Language and Literacy Strategy (NELLS) Coalition prepared an expression of interest for the Ian Potter Foundation to fund the research behind the development of a national strategy. The Ian Potter Foundation responded to the expression of interest, seeking a full application. Marketing and communications • Further national promotion of the Communications Milestones poster and resource was encouraged, with discussions regarding distribution to be held with branch chairs. • The Queensland Branch was successful in having a presentation accepted into the GPCE Conference, to be held in the Gold Coast. This is in addition to the hosting of an exhibition stand at the event. Publications • The Board approved the appointment of IJSLP Editorial Executive Board members Professor Sharynne McLeod (NSW), Professor Lyndsey Nickels (NSW) and Professor Holly Storkel (USA) and Associate Editors Professor Jenni Oates (Vic), Associate Professor Deborah Hersh (WA), Dr Julie Morris (UK) and Associate Professor Edwin Maas (USA). The Board will next meet on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 August 2018.

• An Ethics Board election was held in March 2018 to fill four member elected positions on the Ethics Board. The successful nominees were announced at the closing ceremony of the National Conference May 2018. • At the Annual General Meeting, Dr Belinda Kenny concluded her term as an elected member of the Ethics Board, having completed the maximum of three consecutive three-year terms. Given Dr Kenny’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the area of professional ethics, the Board agreed to invite Dr Kenny to continue to contribute to the work of the Ethics Board as a Reserve Pool member. • The inappropriate use of social media channels by individual speech pathologists for advertising and practice incentives was noted as a potential risk to the profession’s reputation. Examples provided included the use of testimonials and competitions for the provision of complimentary speech pathology services. Information and education will be provided to members through various channels. comment on the shortfalls of their response to the Senate Inquiry recommendations. The government will be asked to commit to a cost benefit analysis and addressing service gaps. • The Association continues to follow up in relation to the NDIA/S Independent Pricing Review with communication having occurred with Antonia Albanese, Chair, Pricing Committee, NDIA and McKinsey & Company. • Communication has occurred with Minister Jane Prentice in relation to Dysphagia and Mealtime Supports. Minister Prentice has confirmed that this remains an item for ongoing consideration at the Disability Reform Council. Speech Pathology Australia has also been seeking a meeting with the Minister. • The Board acknowledged the high level of activity occurring in relation to speech pathology in justice settings, with discussions continuing in Western Australia regarding a potential trial in juvenile justice, and a men’s and women’s prison. • The Association is liaising with relevant parties in relation Lobbying and advocacy • A letter to the government has been developed to

to two Victorian Acts, being the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 and the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

Professional standards • The Board was informed of the successful tender for the review of CBOS project. • Support was given to the development of a Professional Standards Advisory Committee.

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June 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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