RAP Speech Pathology Australia

Reconciliation Action Plan June 2019 – June 2020

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Copyright © The Speech Pathology Association of Australia.

Contents Acknowledgements ..................................................................... 4 Our Business ................................................................................ 5 Our Vision .................................................................................... 4 Our Mission ................................................................................. 6 Our RAP ....................................................................................... 7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee members ................................................ 10 Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members ............ 11 Our partnerships/current activities ....................................... 12 About the artwork .................................................................... 13 Relationships ..............................................................................14 Respect ....................................................................................... 18 Opportunities............................................................................. 22 Governance and Tracking Progress .......................................... 26

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Acknowledgements The Board of Directors of Speech Pathology Australia would like to acknowledge all those who contributed to the development of this, the first Reconciliation Action Plan for the speech pathology profession in Australia. In particular, we acknowledge members, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal, who provided feedback through participation in forums, completion of the online survey, comment on drafts of the plan and discussion at Branch meetings across Australia. We also gratefully acknowledge non-members of the profession who provided valuable input, as well as the generous support of Indigenous Allied Health Australia and Reconciliation Australia throughout the process of development. We acknowledge the contribution of the Speech Pathology Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee whose feedback and insights provided strategic direction. Members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group worked together to transform ideas into actions, timelines and measurable targets. Finally, we acknowledge the contribution of Dixon Patten of Bayila Creative (bayila.com.au) whose artwork incorporates concepts which connect the profession of speech pathology with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These diverse contributions have been vital to the development of a plan which aims to lead the speech pathology profession towards a more responsive relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We look forward to continuing to develop a relationship which recognises and values the resilience and unique ways of knowing and being of our nation’s First Peoples.

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Our Business Speech Pathology Australia (the Association) is the peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia. It is a not for profit organisation with a Board of Directors which is responsible for the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the Association’s procedures and policies within the rules of the Constitution. The board has seven members with three elected to positions of President, Vice President Operations, and Vice President Communications. The Association represents the past, present and future of the speech pathology profession in Australia. Speech pathologists support all people to communicate effectively, balance enjoyment and safety in eating and drinking, connect and belong, exercise their right to self-determination, fulfil their day to day needs, participate in and contribute to their community, learn to their full potential and achieve their life choices. As at December 2018, the Association represents more than 9,000 speech pathologists nationally, including 46 speech pathologists and students who identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people. Speech Pathology Australia employs a total of 35 people, none of whom identify as Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander people. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and 26 employees are based at the National Office in Melbourne, and a further eight employees work remotely. Branches are established in each state and territory and provide a forum for discussion of issues impacting on the profession of speech pathology, state or territory level issues and Association policies. In addition, they act as a forum through which the views of members may be passed on to the Board of Directors and CEO. Branch Executive Committees are made up of volunteers and are supported by the National Office.

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Our Vision Effective communication and safe swallowing – a right for all Australians throughout their life. Our Mission Speech Pathology Australia represents the past, present and future of the speech pathology profession in Australia. We strive to meet the demands of today while planning for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We support all Australians with speech, language and communication disorders and swallowing difficulties, by guiding our profession to practise within an ethical and evidence- based framework, recognising the highest quality standards, the importance of professional development, and embracing the latest research. We continue to support the speech pathology workforce to remain dynamic and agile, and to have the capabilities and capacity to drive quality, innovation, and diversity, as enablers to achieve our vision.

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Our RAP Speech Pathology 2030 - making futures happen was a landmark project undertaken to provide an aspirational vision for the future of speech pathology in Australia. Between December 2015 and May 2016, the project engaged more than 1000 speech pathologists, other professionals and key groups and clients with the aim of creating a shared vision for the speech pathology profession in Australia. The project identified eight key aspirations: • Communication accessible communities • Access for all • Timely interventions across the lifespan • Clients and communities driving service delivery

• Skilled and confident parents and carers • Collaborative professional partnerships • Quality, innovation and knowledge • Diverse and dynamic workforce.

These aspirations align with three strategic platforms - Our voice, Our philosophy, Our workforce

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Communication accessible communities

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Australians throughout their life

Collaborative professional partnerships

Timely services across the lifespan

Skilled and confident families and carers

Clients and communities driving service delivery

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Within these eight aspirations, a range of initiatives relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were identified and embedded in the Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2017– 2019. The development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for Speech Pathology Australia was a significant inclusion: Develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Reconciliation Action Plan for the Association, including specific initiatives involving people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds on governance and advisory structures. Speech Pathology Australia recognises that reconciliation is a work in progress, a work which is the responsibility of all members and staff. The Reconciliation Australia vision for a reconciled Australia encompasses five important areas: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity; and historical acceptance. We endorse the view expressed by Patrick Dodson in his introduction to the Report on the State of Reconciliation “Reconciliation must transcend Australian political theatre and promote a sense of national unity. All Australians should feel, as a nation, connected to the tens of thousands of years of human occupation of the Australian continent and surrounding Islands.” (Reconciliation Australia, 2016, p2) This document reports the processes of development of the first (Reflect) Reconciliation Action Plan for Speech Pathology Australia and outlines the commitments of the Association under the headings of Relationships, Respect, and Opportunities within the framework of the strategic platforms: Our voice, Our philosophy, Our workforce. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee was established and met for the first time in October 2017. The Committee exists to ensure that the values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to culture, language, land and history are embedded in the values and business of the Association now and into the future. It will provide advice to the Board and the Association on all matters related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and contributed strategic advice and knowledge to the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan for Speech Pathology Australia. The committee consists of two Aboriginal members of the Association, one Torres Strait Islander Association member, one Aboriginal member who holds a position in Health, one Aboriginal member who holds an academic position, one representative of Indigenous Allied Health Australia, and one Torres Strait Islander consumer. Non-Aboriginal members of the committee are the CEO of SPA, one representative of the Board of SPA, the chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curriculum committee and one staff member. Terms of reference for the committee were finalised in 2018. The committee met four times in 2018 and has continued to meet in 2019. Five members of the Advisory Committee also serve as members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. The full Advisory Committee has provided feedback during the development of the RAP.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee members

Tara Lewis, Aboriginal member Eddie Ong, Torres Strait Islander member Alice Robins, Aboriginal recent graduate member

Shane Mohor, CEO, Aboriginal Health Council of SA Ltd Donna Murray, CEO, Indigenous Allied Health Australia Peter Palancio, Torres Strait Islander consumer representative Tirritpa Ritchie, University of South Australia Professor Beth Armstrong, Chair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Committee Chyrisse Heine, Director, Speech Pathology Australia Gail Mulcair, CEO, Speech Pathology Australia Cori Williams, Senior Advisor Evidence Based Practice and Research, Speech Pathology Australia

A Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group consisting of one Aboriginal Association member, one Torres Strait Islander Association member, one recently graduated Aboriginal member, one Board representative and four Association staff was convened and met for the first time in December 2017. Evolve Communities provided cultural awareness training to members of the committee in January 2018. Two consultation forums were held in May 2018 to seek member opinion and shape the initial form of the plan. These forums used a yarning approach (Bessarab & Ng’andu, 2010), respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to communication

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Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members Tara Lewis, Aboriginal member Eddie Ong, Torres Strait Islander member

Alice Robins, Aboriginal recent graduate member Stacey Baldac, Manager Professional Standards Gaenor Dixon, National President, Speech Pathology Australia Michael Kerrisk, Manager Marketing and Communications, Speech Pathology Australia Gail Mulcair, CEO, Speech Pathology Australia Cori Williams, Senior Advisor Evidence Based Practice and Research, Speech Pathology Australia

A draft Reconciliation Action Plan was finalised in September 2018, and feedback was invited through a number of mechanisms. An online survey was developed and opened to Speech Pathology Australia members and others with an interest in providing input. The draft was discussed at Branch Executive meetings nationally, and feedback was sought from external agencies working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in contexts relevant to speech pathology practice. Strong support for the draft plan was evident. The association member's particularly noted the importance of education to build member knowledge and understanding to support work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. There was also strong support for the Association to support the recruitment of more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the speech pathology profession. All feedback received was considered, and revisions made to the draft plan where needed.

" I believe education is the first and most important step to effect change, especially when it comes to lifelong beliefs. I think this RAP has been well thought out and places appropriate emphasis on education that leads to understanding and collaboration. Member feedback, online survey

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Our partnerships/current activities Community partnerships

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) (https://iaha.com.au/) is a national, not for profit member based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health organisation which includes speech pathologists among its membership. Speech Pathology Australia has worked closely with IAHA in a number of contexts. IAHA has been engaged as training consultants and will provide cultural responsiveness training to members across Australia. They have provided input to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum in Speech Pathology group, and hold a position on the Speech Pathology Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. The Association supports the IAHA conference through the provision of scholarships for attendance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech pathology students. Eligible student members are approached via email and invited to apply. These scholarships are administered by IAHA. Our commitment The rights of Indigenous peoples are set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Speech Pathology Australia recognises the ongoing connection to lands, waters and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We recognise the negative impacts of colonisation on their health, wellbeing, and traditional languages. We recognise that language and culture are inextricably linked, and crucial to holistic health and wellbeing. The Association is committed to a process of reconciliation and addressing the inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Reconciliation Action Plan sets out our aims to: • facilitate two-way relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the speech pathology profession; • build knowledge of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, cultures, lands and histories amongst our members and staff; • demonstrate value and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in all Association policies; and • provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to lead within the profession and within the business of the Association. The Association commits to supporting this plan through the development of a communication plan and provision of resources and funding to ensure effective and timely implementation of deliverables.

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About the artwork This artwork depicts Indigenous and non-Indigenous people coming together, the pathways represent two-way learning and walking in reconciliation. The circles in the middle represent Speech Pathology Australia and the influence their RAP committee and actions will have on the broader community. The hands represent our ancestors guiding our journey. The leaves represent growing together.

The various circles represent the diverse clans, tribes and communities across Australia. The small circles represent conversations, yarns, language and knowledge being shared.

Title: Gin-ow-ay Nambur 'To give, talk' Gunnai Language Artist: Dixon Patten Tribes: Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara and Yuin

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Relationships Speech Pathology Australia recognises the importance of positive, reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, peoples, families and communities.

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Our Voice Represents the key areas of advocacy that are to be championed by the Association.

Establish a RAP Working Group (RWG)

1. Ensure continued representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the RWG 2. RWG oversees the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP 3. Establish Terms of Reference for the RWG 4. RWG meets at least twice per year to monitor and report on RAP implementation 5. RWG reports progress to SPA Board.

Convenor RWG

Jun 2019

Convenor RWG

Aug 2019

Convenor RWG Convenor RWG

Apr 2020 Oct 2019, Mar 2020 Aug 2019, Nov 2019, Feb 2020, May 2020 Jun 2019, Oct 2019, Jan 2020, Mar 2020 Aug 2019, Nov2019, Feb 2020, May 2020

Convenor RWG

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee meets 4x annually 2. The Advisory Committee reports to SPA Board 4x annually.

Establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee to ensure the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is integrated within the governance and functions of the Association

Convenor RWG

Convenor RWG

1. Encourage our members and staff to attend a NRW event 2. Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our members and staff 3. Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.

Participate in and celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW)

Convenor RWG Convenor RWG

Jun 2019 Jun 2019

Convenor RWG

Jun 2019

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Raise internal awareness of our RAP

1. Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness amongst all members and staff across the organisation about our RAP commitments 2. Develop and implement a plan to engage and inform key internal stakeholders of their responsibilities within our RAP 3. Create readily accessible website content related to reconciliation, including SPA RAP, details of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, links to resources related to culturally responsive practice 4. Include information related to our RAP in SPA publications. 1. Research best practice and policies in areas of race relations and anti-discrimination 2. Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing anti-discrimination provisions, and future needs.

Convenor RWG

Jan 2020

Convenor RWG, Manager Marketing & Comms

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG, Manager Marketing & Comms

Dec 2019

Convenor RWG, Manager Marketing & Comms

Apr 2020

Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies

Apr 2020

Manager, policy and advocacy Manager, Member Services and Operations

Apr 2020

Our Philosophy Outlines the Association’s desire for the services of the profession to be driven by the needs of clients, families, communities and the wider society.

Build external relationships to inform and guide the ways the profession works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families, carers and communities

1. Develop a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations within our local area or sphere of influence that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey 2. Develop a list of RAP organisations and other like-minded organisations that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey 3. Develop a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that employ, or could employ, speech pathologists with whom we could develop reciprocal relationships.

Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Build internal relationships to inform and promote the provision of culturally safe and responsive services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families and communities

1. Maintain a database of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and student members to facilitate relationship building and active engagement in the Association’s priorities 2. Develop a network for all members to share best practice for culturally safe practice.

Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

Apr 2020

Senior Advisor, Cultural Responsiveness and Reconciliation.

Our Workforce Details the Association’s aim for a capable workforce, with the capacity to drive quality, innovation and diversity.

Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

Support members in developing relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities

1. Identify Aboriginal Community Organisations and provide this information to members 2. Identify Aboriginal language centres and provide this information to members. 1. Publish articles in Association publications (eg Speak Out) 2. Use social media channels to publicise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

Manager, Marketing & Comms Manager, Marketing & Comms Senior Advisor, Cultural Responsiveness and Reconciliation.

Apr 2020

Promote membership of relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations

Apr 2020

1. Develop strategies for networking and yarning to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.

Jun 2020

Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members in culturally responsive ways

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Respect Speech Pathology Australia is committed to demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our policies, publications and interactions with individuals, families and communities.

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Our Voice Represents the key areas of advocacy that are to be championed by the Association.

Raise internal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols

1. Implement and monitor the Association policy for Acknowledgement of Country at all Association meetings and events 2. Develop understanding of the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters in our local (National Office) area 3. Provide members with information to support them in learning about the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters within their local area 4. Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance behind Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols (including any local cultural protocols) 5. Invite an appropriate Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country at all significant Association events 6. Include an Acknowledgement of Country on SPA website and in SPA staff and Board signature blocks. 1. Raise awareness amongst our staff of the meaning of NAIDOC Week and share information about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities 2. Raise awareness amongst our members of the meaning of NAIDOC Week and share information which supports them in locating information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in their local areas 3. Introduce our staff to NAIDOC Week by promoting community events in our local area 4. Introduce our members to NAIDOC Week by providing support for them to promote community events in their local areas 5. Ensure members of our RAP Working Group attend an external NAIDOC Week event

Manager, Professional Education

Apr 2020

CEO, National President

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

Nov 2019

CEO, National President

Apr 2020

Nov 2019

Manager, Marketing & Comms

Convenor RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms

Jul 2019

Participate in and celebrate NAIDOC week

Jul 2019

Convenor RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms

Convenor RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms Convenor RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms

Jul 2019

Jul 2019

Jul 2019

CEO

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

6. Promote understanding of and engagement with key national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and campaigns through SPA media channels – e.g. social media, press releases 7. Ensure SPA representation at appropriate events and functions. 1. Source and purchase Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander artwork and display at National Office 2. Include Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artwork in publications with substantial content related to reconciliation. 1. Develop a business case for increasing awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements within our organisation 2. Conduct a review of cultural awareness training needs within our organisation 3. Capture data and measure our staff’s current level of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements 4. Provide members with the opportunity for face to face cultural awareness training in all states and territories 5. Identify existing training opportunities, including online resources, disseminate this information to members 6. Disseminate information to SPA staff regarding online training resources such as Reconciliation Australia Share Our Pride 7. Include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers and/or organisations in Association conferences and events 8. Include opportunities for cultural experiences in pre-conference program associated with SPA National Conference.

Convenor RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms

Apr 2020

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

Make a commitment to reconciliation that is visible through displays of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artwork

Dec 2019 Apr 2020

CEO Manager, Marketing & Comms

Our Philosophy Outlines the Association’s desire for the services of the profession to be driven by the needs of clients, families, communities and the wider society.

Build staff and member awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements

Convenor RWG, Manager, Professional Education

Sep 2019

Convenor RWG, Manager, Professional Education Convenor RWG, Manager, Professional Education Manager, Professional Education Convenor RWG, Manager, Professional Education Convenor RWG

Feb 2020

Apr 2020

Apr 2020

Apr 2020

Nov 2019

Apr 2020

Conference Manager

Conference Manager

Apr 2020

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Apr 2020

Promote development of culturally safe and responsive approaches to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families and communities

1. Identify and share stories of culturally safe practice

Convenor RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms Convenor RWG, Manager, Professional Education

Apr 2020

2. Identify existing training opportunities and resources relevant to cultural safety, including online resources, and disseminate information to members.

Manager, Professional Standards Manager, Ethics and Professional Issues Convenor RWG, editors International Journal; of Speech Language Pathology Convenor RWG Senior Advisor EBP & Research, Manager, Marketing & Comms Senior Advisor, EBP & Research

Apr 2020

Embed requirement for cultural safety in all core SPA documents

1. Include requirements related to cultural safety in CBOS review 2. Include requirements related to cultural safety in review of Code of Ethics.

Apr 2020

Dec 2019

1. Develop guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research published in SPA publications

Ensure that services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families, carers and communities are informed by culturally responsive research

Apr 2020

2. Implement guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research presented at the SPA National Conference 3. Disseminate information on characteristics of culturally safe and responsive research to SPA members

Jan 2020

Jan 2020

4. Provide a targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research grant, with clear requirements to ensure cultural safety.

Our Workforce Details the Association’s aim for a capable workforce, with the capacity to drive quality, innovation and diversity.

Promote the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members

1. Publish strengths-based profiles highlighting the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members in Association publications (eg SpeakOut ).

Apr 2020

Manager, Marketing & Comms

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Opportunities Speech Pathology Australia recognises the importance of equity and inclusivity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in access to speech pathology services and employment.

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Our Voice Represents the key areas of advocacy that are to be championed by the Association

Oct 2019

Promote the value of speech pathology as a component to optimise health, educational and social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Articulate clearly the Association’s support of the need to close the gap in health and educational inequalities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

1. Develop and implement a communication strategy to demonstrate the value of speech pathology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Manager, Marketing & Comms

Convenor, RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms Convenor, RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms Convenor, RWG, Manager, Marketing & Comms Manager, Policy and Advocacy

Apr 2020

1. Raise member awareness of the distinction between the Close the Gap awareness campaign and government Closing the Gap initiatives 2. Encourage member participation in Close the Gap activities

Apr 2020

Apr 2020

3. Report on member participation in Close the Gap activities

Apr 2020

4. Provide input to relevant government Closing the Gap initiatives and policy development through responses to calls for input.

Our Philosophy Outlines the Association’s desire for the services of the profession to be driven by the needs of clients, families, communities and the wider society.

Apr 2020

Ensure strategic direction and advocacy is informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives

1. Explore dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board position 2. Identify and implement sustainable strategies for obtaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives 3. Develop a policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on SPA committees.

CEO, Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

CEO, Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

CEO, Convenor RWG

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Our Workforce Details the Association’s aim for a capable workforce, with the capacity to drive quality, innovation and diversity.

Dec 2019

Investigate the development of pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to enter the speech pathology profession

1. Research best practice approaches to developing employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2. Consult with other professional bodies which have developed pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to enter their professions. 1. Develop a statement, outlining the role of speech pathologist to assist members’ communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers 2. Ensure member access to the role statement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers.

Convenor RWG

Convenor, RWG

Dec 2019

Jan 2020

Manager, Professional Standards

Support mutual awareness and understanding of roles and practice of Aboriginal Health Workers and Speech Pathologists

Apr 2020

Convenor RWG

Oct 2019

Convenor RWG

1. Provide sponsorship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SP students to attend IAHA conference and health fusion challenge.

Provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student speech pathologists

1. Investigate establishment of a network for peer support and mentoring of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech pathologists and students.

Professional Support Advisor

Oct 2019

Provide support to promote a sustainable and valued Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech pathology workforce

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment

Jan 2020

1. Develop a business case for Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ employment within our organisation 2. Identify current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment and development opportunities 3. Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for all positions

Manager Member Services & Operations

Manager Member Services & Operations

Jan 2020

Manager Member Services & Operations

Apr 2020

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Apr 2020

4. Advertise all positions through forms of communication (IAHA, Koori Mail, NIT) likely to reach potential applicants from Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander peoples. 1. Develop an understanding of the mutual benefits of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses 2. Develop a business case for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.

Manager Member Services & Operations

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity

Manager Member Services & Operations Manager Member Services & Operations

Jan 2020

Apr 2020

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Governance and Tracking Progress

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Action

Deliverable Responsibility

Timeline

Build support for the RAP

1. Define systems and capability needs to track, measure and report on RAP activities 2. Report RAP progress at all Board meetings 3. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally 4. Complete the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire and submit this to Reconciliation Australia. 1. Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements 2. Submit a draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review 3. Submit a draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement.

Convenor RWG

Apr 2020

CEO Convenor RWG, Marketing & Comms Convenor RWG

Sep 2019, Dec 2019, Mar 2020, Jun 2020 Sep 2020

Mar 2020

Convenor RWG

Review and Refresh RAP

Jun 2020 Aug 2020

Convenor RWG Convenor RWG

References: Bessarab, D. & Ng'andu, B. 2010. Yarning About Yarning as a Legitimate Method in Indigenous Research. International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies. 3 (1): pp. 37-50 Reconciliation Australia, 2016. The state of reconciliation in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ra_stateofreconciliation_summary_ a4_revised-2018.pdf

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Contact Us Name: Gail Mulcair Position: Chief Executive Officer Phone: +61 3 9642 4899 Email: gmulcair@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speech Pathology Australia Level 1/114 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000 speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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