Speak Out February 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Implementing the NEW Professional Standards

On 1 January 2021, the new Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia came into affect. The Professional Standards detail: • the knowledge, skills and attributes a speech pathologist practising in Australia must demonstrate and apply, at any point in their career, as relevant to their speech pathology role and work context, • the knowledge, skills and attributes a graduating speech pathology student must demonstrate and be able to apply by the time they complete their entry-level degree.

The Professional Standards include a hierarchy of Domains, Standards and Elements. The three Domains reflect the core areas of competence required for speech pathology practice in Australia, namely: • professional conduct • reflective practice and life-long learning • speech pathology practice. The Professional Standards provide the public with an expectation of the minimum standards of all practising speech pathologists in Australia.

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Speak Out | February 2021