Speak Out April 2018

Association news

Board report THE FIRST BOARD MEETING FOR 2018 WAS HELD IN MELBOURNE ON 2−3 MARCH 2018. THE MEETING FEATURED A NUMBER OF PRESENTATIONS AND PRE-MEETINGS, INCLUDING A COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PLANNING WORKSHOP, PRESENTATION OF THE 2017 FINANCIAL YEAR ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT OUTCOMES AND AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY PRESENTATION.

Meeting highlights • Election processes for the 2018 Board of Directors and Ethics Board Elections were finalised, with a record number of Ethics Board nominations received. All voting members are encouraged to participate in the voting process. • Branch forums held in both Victoria and South Australia were noted as being highly valuable in defining the strategic direction of these branches. • A successful Branch Chairs meeting held in February brought together representatives from across the country to discuss a range of topics, including Branch strategic plans, lobbying and advocacy and marketing opportunities. • The Board discussed a range of options to ensure Speech Pathology 2030 and the identified aspirations are embedded into the activities of the Association, including the National Conference, Annual General Meeting and Awards Presentations. • A recent increase in complaints regarding speech pathologists practising beyond the scope of practice was acknowledged, with a working party to be formed to develop a draft decision-making policy / framework for consideration by the Board. • The Board ratified the appointment of the following Ethics Board members for a further three-year term: • Following a disappointing response from the government to the Senate Inquiry into the prevalence of different types of speech, language and communication disorders and speech pathology services in Australia, the Board discussed the preparation of a response and meeting requests. • The Association continues to actively pursue funding of dysphagia and meal time supports as part of participant plans with the National Disability Insurance Agency. Issues surrounding the provision of AT/AAC are also being discussed. • It was noted that following a submission in February 2018, Chief Executive Officer, G Mulcair and Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues, T Johnson, presented to the Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia. o Ms Helen Smith, Senior Member o Ms Nerina Scarinci, Senior Member o Ms Donna Dancer, Community Representative o Dr Richard Saker, Community Representative

• The Board acknowledged the recent release of the IJSLP Special Issue – “Communication as a Human Right – Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. • The International Communication Project (inclusive of representatives from America, Canada, England, Ireland and New Zealand as well as Australia) are currently focused on seeking endorsements to host a side event to coincide with specific UN Meetings, to highlight the importance of communication rights. • 2017 Member Survey Results were presented, with discussion concerning certain themes and trends. The Board also discussed seeking additional methods to assist in obtaining targeted feedback from the membership, that can be segmented, to assist in ensuring the delivery of highly valued and appropriate member services to all members. • A timeline has been implemented for the review and further development of the Association’s fact sheets. The Board will next meet on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 May 2018.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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April 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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