Speak Out October 2020 DIGITAL EDITION FINAL

From the President

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that disruption is the mother of innovation. My little innovative idea at work is the establishment of a, “you’re on mute” jar. At some stage, travel may well be back on the cards, and I reason that if I add a couple of dollars every time I hear someone say this phrase during a teleconference, I should have a tidy little sum to get me a mini-break by the time flights become a possibility. As far as the concept of innovation goes, I’ll admit this is pretty small fry in comparison to what’s going on amongst the Association, and you’ll read about loads of much better initiatives here. Congratulations to Professor Kirrie Ballard and her team in the development of ‘Say Bananas’, recognised this year through Speech Pathology Australia’s Innovation Awards. With many Australian families struggling to assist children with their regular school tasks at home, the development of an app to increase dosage for speech sound disorders will come as a relief both to families and their treating speech pathologist. In this issue, you will also read how many of the Association’s prominent strategic projects have been able to progress, even in the era of “you’re on mute”. A large section of this issue quite rightly focuses on the Association’s Code of Ethics, due to be launched officially later this month, co-occurring with Global Ethics Day. This cornerstone document sets the tone for how we act as a profession, and what our culture involves. It would be difficult to estimate how much care and time has gone into crafting this document. The Ethics Board and Trish Johnson (Manager of Ethics and Professional Issues) have devoted so much to this, incorporating the contributions of many members and external stakeholders. I’m looking forward to seeing how the interactive tools help us with the diverse questions we ask ourselves on a daily basis. Danielle McGettigan and Dylan Mraz from the Early Career Reference Group have penned an interesting article in this issue, looking at how clinical supervision sessions can use the Code of Ethics to guide conversations and decisions. The disruption also shaped Speech Pathology Week activities in a way that increased our profile online and through the media. Michael Kerrisk (Communications and Marketing Manager) breaks down our reach through the week via our official channels, and within our State and Territory Branch reports, you’ll read about several initiatives that were implemented throughout the week. I’m especially impressed by Victorians managing to throw together a Schwa Day and Trivia night from the confines of their own home, while other Branches moved out into their community across the Nation. Certainly, we weren’t on mute. Despite all the disruption we’re still moving forward, as always exploring and cementing what being a member of Speech Pathology Australia really means. The Association is moving into its Innovate phase of the Reconciliation Action Plan. I am really pleased to say that, just as the Association published its Response to Racism earlier this year, a pleasingly large amount of thoughtful and considered feedback was received, which invigorates us in our commitment to strong collaboration between the profession and First Nations peoples. Let’s keep this momentum going, through this period of disruption. You will see that there are several opportunities to “go off mute”, if you so wish, and help shape the future of our profession. If research is your thing, there are opportunities opening with JCPSLP. If you are early on in your career, the Early Career Reference Group is seeking new members for 2021. If you work alongside someone extraordinary, it’s time to recognise them through the SPA awards. And, if you are a strategist with a love for the profession, nominations to join the Board of Directors have just opened. So, don’t make the costly mistake of thinking this year of disruption means you should stay on mute. You’re a part of this incredible gang that we call Speech Pathology Australia. Click off the muted microphone icon and make your mark!

Tim Kittel

Tim Kittel National President

4

Speak Out | October 2020