Speak Out OCTOBER 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Association NEWS

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Speech Pathology Australia’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan was launched online on September 22. This is the second RAP for the Association, and outlines the actions and deliverables we will address over the coming two years as we move to meet the commitments made in our Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Key deliverables over the next 12 months include the development of a culturally responsive strategic framework to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and to further educate non-Indigenous members and staff We were honoured to be able to include an address from the Honourable Ken Wyatt, AM, MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians. He was the first Indigenous person elected to the House of Representatives, the first to hold a cabinet position and the first to lead the Department of Indigenous Affairs. Before entering politics, Minister Wyatt held high level positions in both Health and Education and supported his community in numerous ways. He was awarded the Order of Australia in recognition of his services to Aboriginal Health. We acknowledge that working towards reconciliation is an ongoing process in which responsibility is shared by all members and staff. We recognise that a reconciled Australia is one where the communication rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not only respected but visible within all the Association’s functions and activities. We urge you to take the time to read our Innovate RAP and to embark on the steps needed to move the profession along the path to reconciliation. Cori Williams Project Consultant Tara Lewis Senior Advisor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy & Practice

"An Innovate RAP outlines actions that work towards achieving your organisation’s unique vision for reconciliation. Commitments within this RAP allow your organisation to be aspirational and innovative in order to help your organisation gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence, and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation. An Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples." Reconciliation Australia. “Reconciliation isn’t a single moment or place in time. It’s lots of small, consistent steps, some big strides, and sometimes unfortunate backwards steps…” Karen Mundine

Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia.

Read the Innovate RAP

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October 2021 | Speak Out