SP 2030 Report

Scenarios for the speech pathology profession in Australia

Once key drivers of change are identified, stories of plausible futures can be developed to explore different combinations of these drivers arising in different ways. Different scenarios are likely to reveal a mix of both encouraging opportunities and challenging circumstances.

Scenarios will never answer all our questions (nor are they intended to). But they should help us to ask better questions, plan in a more considered way, and be better prepared for the unexpected. The following pages present three different scenarios for Australian speech pathologists to reflect on, guide their observations of emerging trends, and inform their planning. The three scenarios are: 1. Evidence matters.

Even though we can never be certain what will eventuate, scenarios offer the chance to: • recognise, test and challenge our assumptions; • improve the quality of shared conversations; • build understanding of the mix of factors that may stimulate particular types of change; • explore and develop strategies resilient across different circumstances; • “rehearse” the circumstances in which different strategies might be introduced; and • increase attentiveness to the early signs of change indicating the need for a shift in strategy. Each of these opportunities ultimately supports us to make wiser choices in the present.

2. A shift in the funding balance. 3. Recovery through collaboration.

A set of “What if…” questions accompany each scenario encouraging the reader to deepen their thinking and explore possible outcomes.

Scenarios give us lenses that help us see future prospects more clearly, make richer judgments and be more sensitive to uncertainties. ( Jeremy Bentham ) 2

2 Royal Dutch Shell. (2012). 40 Years of Shell Scenarios . Retrieved from www.shell.com

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/SP2030

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