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Insights from the 2014 National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) CouncilFest meeting

As the SPA representative on the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) I was fortunate to attend ‘CouncilFest’ – the annual face-to-face meeting of the NRHA from Friday 19 – Tuesday 23 September 2014 in Canberra. CouncilFest brings together the 37 member organisations of NRHA with an interest in improving the health of people living in rural and remote areas. The agenda for the meeting included a standard council meeting, reports from staff in the organisation, several sessions developing a “top five priorities for the NRHA” list, presentations from a variety of “Friends of the Alliance”, a full day visit to Parliament House and the Annual General Meeting. I was very nervous about attending my first CouncilFest, mainly because it included preparing for the first session titled “Councillors’ (musical) reflections”! I was required to reflect on my interest in and aspirations for rural and remote health using one or more of the following: a musical instrument (including voice); musical terminology; rhythm; and/or musical allusions. I survived this session with a successful avoidance strategy – we ran out of time for me. However over the course of the weekend I did participate in the morning line dancing and a choir performance. I must admit the activities were an excellent way of keeping the group energised as well as quickly breaking down any barriers.

Fun times aside we were there to discuss serious issues. We spent many hours discussing a variety of broad issues that affect rural and remote health and came

opportunity to attend Question Time and observed both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition deliver speeches. The day was exciting, exhausting and left me feeling hopeful that those in positions of power are listening, asking the right questions and share our vision for rural and remote health. Other sessions during CouncilFest included conversations with representatives from the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Department of Health as well as presentations from Royal Far West and Voices for Indi. Overall I found CouncilFest to be inspiring and educational. It was heartening to know there are similarities in the issues faced both across professional health practitioner groups and the various geographic locations. There are definitely lessons to be learnt and support to be gained from our colleagues in the National Rural Health Alliance. It is also an excellent platform to raise awareness of our profession specific challenges. I look forward to developing in my role on the NRHA as representative for speech pathologists in the SPA Rural and Remote Member Community. Amanda O’Keefe Speech Pathology Australia Rural & Remote Member Community and SPA representative on the National Rural Health Alliance

Amanda O'Keefe

up with the following “Top 5” list: 1. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) that serve rural and remote areas must be locally managed. 2. Improvement in internet connectivity in rural and remote areas. 3. Opposing the deregulation of university fees. 4. The development of an

implementation plan for enacting the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.

5. Increased investment in public dental services.

With the issues clarified our group of approximately 40 descended on Parliament House wearing our newly issued #loverural t-shirts. We were stopped abruptly in our tracks by the increased security measures which had been implemented only a few hours previously. After an hour or so of negotiations we were escorted to our meeting room in Parliament House. We spent the day in small groups presenting our issues to over 45 politicians, including meetings with Minister Peter Dutton and Minister Fiona Nash. We also had the

Welcome, Trish – Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues

leadership roles within speech pathology, including senior clinician in a stroke unit, speech pathology manager, and most recently as a manager of a multidisciplinary allied health practice. Trish has recently completed a Masters in Management which will assist her to support speech pathologists in appropriate decision- making as well as valuing each individual’s experience and expertise.

Speech Pathology Australia is pleased to welcome Trish Johnson to National Office as the incoming Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues. Trish has commenced in this role to provide advice and support for SPA members and the general public regarding ethical queries or complaints. Trish has many years of experience in clinical and

Speak Out December 2014

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