Speak Out June 2021

Association NEWS

Board meeting report May 2021

The second Board of Directors meeting for 2021 was held in Melbourne on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 May. This marked the Association’s first in person Board of Directors meeting since COVID-19 closed National Office in late March 2020 and interstate travel was not possible. The meeting was highly productive. In addition to general business and strategic items, induction was held for the incoming Directors and details in relation to the External (Independent) Director positions were discussed. A strategic presentation was received from the Disability and Policy and Advocacy teams, on the proposed NDIS Independent Assessments. Discussion following the presentation centred around incongruencies between the role and tasks of Independent Assessors and professional standards of speech pathologists. Further clarification is occurring around scope of practice and any implications for speech pathologists taking on these roles. SPA continues to advocate around our concerns of the Independent Assessment tools not being sensitive to the presentations and needs of those with communication and swallowing disorders. Advocacy activities and planned communications to members on this topic were noted. External Directors In line with Speech Pathology Australia’s Constitution, the Board of Directors has been seeking to appoint two External Directors. In appointing External Directors, the Association is aiming to build on the experience, skills and perspectives of the existing Board of Directors. While nominees were sought from the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, the Association was unable to attract nominations from this community at this time. An External Director appointment is imminent, with representatives from the existing Board of Directors having interviewed several candidates last week, and a preferred candidate identified. Service provision Acknowledgement was given to the considerable feedback received from members and the public on increasing waiting times for consumers to access speech pathology services. It’s also been noted, that despite the growth in the profession, employing speech pathologists are experiencing difficulty recruiting staff. At the same time recent Private Health Insurance reporting has shown that while claims reduced significantly during COVID-19 related lockdowns, most professions are now returning to similar levels of service as were seen pre-COVID; however, there is some reduction in the levels of private health fund rebates Some of the meeting highlights included: NDIS independent assessments

for speech pathology, implying a lower access to services for these clients. National office staff and the Board of Directors recognise that there are complex issues potentially impacting on the speech pathology workforce and service provision. While the impact of specific funding schemes, such as the NDIS, is one factor, it is recognised that a comprehensive analysis of the profession and features influencing demand for and access to services is critical. The Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis project has commenced and will aim to unpack the data and trends impacting on speech pathology service provision now and with projections into the future. Other strategies to support members and consumers will also be developed. Pressures within the profession The Board discussed current pressures affecting the profession, with high workforce demand combined with the uncertainty of the current trajectory of the pandemic, resulting in many speech pathologists experiencing higher levels of stress, and potential impacts on mental health. The Association will look to encourage members to look after their health and wellbeing, in a variety of ways. Conference registration fee Contact has been received from some members in relation to the 2021 Virtual National Conference registration fee. The Board of Directors discussed the factors and costs involved in running the National Conference, in its usual format, including keynote addresses, multiple concurrent sessions, workshops and social/networking functions. It was recognised that even where the delivery of the conference this year is via virtual means, there remains significant costs involved in the IT platform and associated supports prior to and during the conference. A range of overheads, including infrastructure, staffing, contractors, training and speaker fees, are incurred regardless of the event being virtual or face-face, but acknowledging that catering and venue costs will not be incurred with the virtual format. It was recognised that there is always a balance of minimising the registration fee against meeting costs involved in conducting a high quality and successful conference. These factors will be communicated to members at appropriate opportunities. 2020-2022 Strategic Plan progress The significant amount of work done by the Association to progress the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan was acknowledged by the Board of Directors. Specific progress was discussed in the following areas • involvement and representation on a range of key bodies and expert working groups,

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June 2021 | Speak Out