Speech Pathology Australia Annual Report 2020

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Contents

President’s report

3

Our Board and representatives

4

2020: A year in review

5

Financial statements

18

Financial report

19

Directors’ report

20

Auditor’s independence declaration

23

Statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income

24

Statement of financial position

24

Statement of changes in equity

25

Statement of cash flows

25

Notes to the financial statements

26

Directors’ declaration

35

Independent auditor’s report to members

37

Detailed profit and loss statement

39

ABN: 17 008 393 440

1/114 William Street, Melbourne, Australia 3000 1300 368 835 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

2 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

President’s report 2 020 wi l l remain in our col lective memory for the rest of our l ives. It was a year that disrupted and tested us. It chal lenged this profession, its members, our cl ients, our work l ives, our pol itical and social structures, and indeed our global community. It continues to chal lenge us, but also in a year of unprecedented change, it helped define our profession and our Association. Early in the year, the Association’s Strategic Plan 2020- 2022 was approved by the Board. The new strategic plan is founded on three pi l lars: our voice, our impact, and our workforce. Over the course of the plan’s three years Speech Pathology Austral ia wi l l continue its work towards the aspirations outl ined within the ground-breaking Speech Pathology 2030 – making futures happen report. When the plan was released, we evaluated the values of our organisation. These are Cultural Responsiveness, Excel lence, Innovation, Person Centred Practice, and Professional ism and Ethical Practice. It was over the course of 2020 we learnt how, although plans changed from the outset, our values guided us in our actions. January, February, and early March were ‘busy as usual’ times for the Association, establ ishing the initial goals of the Strategic Plan. The last face to face meetings of Branch Chairs and the Board of Directors occurred during this time. Just over a week later, on the 23rd of March, the Association’s National Office closed its Wi l l iam Street doors. In l ine with government guidel ines and protocols put in place at that time, al l staff were directed to commence working from home. Due to preparations already in place, national office staff made this transition seamlessly. By the next day they were supporting members in making their own transitions into telepractice. They continued to keep members informed about the pandemic and its evolving impacts on the profession. We cannot thank them enough for this. Comprehensive materials were rapidly developed to support the move to telehealth; al l professional development events were moved onl ine (via a new Learning Hub); and new guides, tools, and resources were developed for members. This included a new Infection Prevention and Control Guidel ine for Speech Pathologists; Guidance for service del ivery, cl inical procedures, and infection control during COVID-19 pandemic; and an interactive Risk Assessment Tool. A COVID Advisory group was put into place, composed of a number of members, and this ensured responses and resources were specific, targeted, and effective. Whi le many of the initial goals in the Strategic Plan had to be put on a hiatus, our Values guided how we set in motion our response. The Association responded to concerns as they continued to arise over the year. Meanwhi le, it also released two major pieces of work that had been in development wel l before 2020. These were the Association’s 2020 Code of Ethics, and the Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Austral ia. The new Professional Standards came into effect on the 1st of January 2021. They reflect a broad and expanding scope, and recognise the increasing diversity of roles within the profession. The Code of Ethics detai l how speech pathology in Austral ia is enacted, what the publ ic can expect of us, and guarantees the qual ity of the services we del iver. Both these core documents are of their time, formed on the feedback and aspirations of thousands of members and our stakeholders. As a result, they consol idate our identity as the professional body that assesses and treats communication and swal lowing abi l ity across the l ifespan.

In 2020, Speech Pathology Austral ia continued its journey towards Reconci l iation. We observed a number of important dates including Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week, and National Reconci l iation Week. The Association released two important statements. Released in National Reconci l iation Week, the first recognised the theme, “In this Together”, supporting members to engage and develop in this important cultural event. The second was a strong declaration on the Association’s opposition to al l forms of racism. Both statements received overwhelmingly encouraging feedback from our members, and the Association wi l l continue to encourage and support every member in their own journey towards Reconci l iation. Both statements are reproduced in ful l in this annual report. Speech Pathology Austral ia membership numbers continued to rise to record levels. In February 2020, Speak Out celebrated reaching the mi lestone of 10,000 members, and by the close of 2020, our membership stood at 11,174. This marks an increase of just over 13 per cent on 2019 numbers. With this rise in membership, increased interest and engagement in local State and Territory Branches was evident. Branch Chairs welcomed new members to meetings through a variety of innovative means. The onl ine format meant members from outside of metropol itan cities were able to join and interact. In a turbulent time, we recognise the efforts of Branch Chairs and their Executive teams, and thank them for helping to forge ahead with local connections. This year, the added chal lenges of 2020 were ably met by the Board Directors who also volunteer their time, ski l ls and perspectives on strategy. At the 2020 AGM we welcomed Al ison Smith and Bronwyn Sutton whose valuable contributions to the Board were immediately evident. Exiting from the Board were Bel inda Hi l l and Eddie Ong. Their advice wi l l continue to inform the Association, with Bel inda continuing to work alongside our Ethics Board, and Eddie with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. Our Association’s abi l ity to serve its members and their cl ients during this difficult year was only possible because of the dedication of the Association’s Chief Executive Officer and National Office staff. This combined team has ensured that the business of the organisation continued to be conducted in a professional, strategic, and efficient manner throughout the highs and lows experienced in 2020. Without the ski l l, knowledge, and expertise of our CEO, Gai l Mulcair, Speech Pathology Austral ia would not be the outstanding professional association it is today. 2020 was the year in which al l aspects of l ife changed and was chal lenged. The terms “unprecedented times”, “pivot”, and hopes for a “new normal” were bandied about. During this difficult year, I was privi leged to watch how we gathered together, embodying the values of our Strategic Plan, and emerged with growing membership, and with an even stronger professional culture and defined identity. I have no doubts whatsoever, that Speech Pathology Austral ia is strongly placed to face the future and respond accordingly to the chal lenges that wi l l inevitably arise. It is with this pride that on behalf of the Association, I present our 2020 Annual Report.

Timothy Kittel National President

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Our Board and representatives

2020 Branch Chairs Australian Capital Territory/

2020 Board of Directors Please refer to the financial statements in this annual report for details pertaining to the Directors of Speech Pathology Australia and their tenure as it relates to the 2020 year.

Claire Price and Emma Wallace

New South Wales Northern Territory

Yolande Burdekin

Board of Directors as at 31 December 2020:

Queensland

Kate Thomson

South Australia

Andrea Ferguson

Tasmania

Kathryn Fordyce

Victoria

Charmaine Tu

Western Australia Lydia Timms and Sharon Smart 2020 Association publications and editors International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

Timothy Kittel National President

Professor Kirrie Ballard Professor Libby Cardell

Editorial Assistant: Elizabeth Ambrose

Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology Dr Jae-Hyun Kim and Dr Leigha Dark

Speak Out Rebecca Faltyn

Kathryn McKinley

Maree Doble Vice President Operations

Chyrisse Heine Vice President Communications

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology Journal of Clinical ractice in Speech-Lan ag Pat l

Volume 13 , Number 1 2011 Expanding possibilities: Foci on reading and interdisciplinary practices Multimodal communicatio Volume 22 , Number 1 2020

In this issue: Statistical Learning and Reading

Oral vocabulary and reading comprehension

Graphemic Buffer Impairment in Aphasia

Research within Health in Queensland

The Value of Allied Health Assistants

Volume 22 , Number 1 2020

Speech-language pathology in the Northern Territory Speech-language pathology assessment in diagnostic evaluation of ASD Health and wellbeing outcomes after returning to work /study following acquired brain injury

Print Post Approved PP352524/00383 ISSN 2200-0259

Bronwyn Sutton

Brooke Sanderson

Alison Smith

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2020 Record membership

ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP PROFILE AS AT THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR 11, 174 strong

In 2020, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Speech Pathology Australia saw its membership again grow to a new record level. Reflecting this new membership record was the Association's continuing efforts as the voice of the speech pathology profession in Australia. Advocating, as always, on behalf of its members and those Australians who have a communication or swallowing disability. Membership At the close of 2020, the Association had again seen its membership reach a new record level: 11,174. This reflects an increase of 13.3 per cent on 2019. Diversity also increased with 60 members identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and male membership of the Association at the end of 2020 standing at 355 or 3.17 per cent of the overall membership.

Alumnus

19

Certified Practising

9538

Life Member Non-Certified Non-Practising

23

203

93 51

10,000 th member welcomed In January 2020, Speech Pathology Australia welcomed its 10,000 th member, Nicole Hansen. A chance conversation with a neighbour about the long wait to see a speech pathologist sparked Nicole to act and explore becoming a speech pathologist. After graduating with her degree in December 2019, Nicole joined the Speech Pathology Australia, becoming its 10,000 th member.

Re-entry

Student (paid)

844 403

Student (free first year)

Total

11,174

In the lead-up to the membership renewals in July 2020, the Association conducted a survey across its membership. While, overall, the response was heartening, it was clear that some members were doing it tough during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the Association undertook a number of initiatives as part of the renewal period in 2020, including: freezing 2020/21 membership fees, a $100 online professional development voucher for those who renewed by 1 July, the waiving of the $15 administrative fee for those who elected to pay by direct debit, and the extension for Certified Practising members of PSR requirements for 12 months.

Membership renewal fees frozen

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

New Strategic Plan 2020-2022

Pillars

Strategic goals

In 2020, Speech Pathology Australia launched its Strategic Plan 2020-2022. As a dynamic organisation, the Association regularly evaluates and calibrates its priority goals and objectives. It does this to ensure it continues to meet the changing and evolving needs of the speech pathology profession in Australia, the profession’s clients and the wider community. The Association’s plan has three strategic pillars:

Our voice

Speech Pathology Australia is the trusted voice of the profession.

Our impact

Speech pathology is valued and recognised in the community.

Our Voice Our Impact Our Workforce

These pillars are fundamental to the strategic plan and over the course of the plan’s three years will enable the Association to continue work towards the aspirations outlined by the ground- breaking Speech Pathology 2030 – making futures happen project.

Our workforce

Speech pathologists are equipped for quality practice that meets community need.

Speech Pathology Australia

Strategic Plan 2020-2022

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Our Voice

Speech Pathology Australia is the trusted voice of the profession.

Policy and advocacy In 2020, many of the usual pol icy and advocacy activities had to cease or be altered, with in- person meetings with Ministers, senior bureaucrats and other key stakeholders, no longer possible and appearances at publ ic hearings switched to onl ine. For example, Speech Pathology Austral ia representatives, Gai l Mulcair (Chief Executive Officer) and Jane Delaney (Senior Advisor Early Chi ldhood and Education), were invited to provide evidence to the House Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training’s inquiry into education in remote and complex environments. This was done via teleconference on 2 September. Advocacy meetings were, however, sti l l able to be held remotely when urgent. For example, a meeting was convened with the National Disabi l ity Insurance Agency regarding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Chi ldhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and access to the NDIS. Another impact of the pandemic was on service provision, with a cal l to provide more services via telepractice. In response, the Association successful ly prepared and provided a suite of evidence to help ensure access to speech pathology services via telepractice through Medicare, DVA, TAC and Private Health Funds. Submissions Speech Pathology Austral ia responded to 29 consultations with written submissions. Some direct quotes from, or references to, our written

submissions were noted in the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS’s reports regarding the NDIS Planning Inquiry and its NDIS Workforce interim report. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabi l ity’s (DRC) interim report also directly quoted Speech Pathology Austral ia twice, with our submissions referenced a further nine times. Toward the very end of the year the Association received a request to provide a statement to the DRC regarding the education and training of health professionals in relation to people with cognitive disabi l ity. Speech Pathology Austral ia maintained representation throughout 2020 on the fol lowing bodies: • Al l ied Health Professions Austral ia • Consumers Health Forum • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Health Providers Partnership Forum • Mental Health Austral ia • National Aged Care Al l iance • National Al l iance of Self-Regulating Health Professions • National Primary Healthcare Partnership • National Rural Health Al l iance • Professions Austral ia. Peak body representation

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Working groups and advisory roles The Association’s representatives have been involved in the fol lowing: • ADHD Guidel ine Advisory Group • Al l ied Health Professions Austral ia – NDIS working group, Early Intervention group, and the NDIS Independent Assessments project • Austral ian Association of Gerontology (AAG) Reablement Advisory Group • Austral ian Stroke Coal ition • Centre for Mental Health Learning – Victoria • Communication Access Al l iance • Department of Health Curriculum Development in Health Care for People with Intel lectual Disabi l ity • Department of Health National Congress: Food, Nutrition and Mealtime Experience in Aged Care • Expert Advisory Panel: Aged Care Qual ity working parties (Aged Care Gateway Advisory Group, Ageing and Disabi l ity Interface Group, Care at Home Advisory Group, Aged Care and Health Interface Working Group) • National Assistive Technology Al l iance (NATA) Steering Committee • National Early Language and Literacy Coal ition • National Early Years Summit • NDIS Commission Grant for Co-creating Safe and Enjoyable Meals • NSW Witness Intermediary Registration Panel • Professions Austral ia Professional ism and Ethics Sub-committee • Queensland Intermediary Advisory Group • Victoria Intermediary Pi lot Program Panel of Experts. and Safety Commission: Food , Nutrition and Mealtime Experience in Aged Care • FASD Guidel ines Advisory Group • National Aged Care Al l iance and multiple

Data and evidence to support advocacy The abi l ity to provide supporting evidence is crucial to our submissions and responses to cal ls for feedback. The Association’s pol icy briefs are an important resource in this, and the most recent briefs on Developmental Language Disorder and Chi ldhood Apraxia of Speech proved to be a valuable tool for speech pathologists addressing el igibi l ity to NDIS for these conditions. Another important resource final ised in 2020 was the report the Association commissioned from researchers at University of New South Wales and University of Technology Sydney, looking at the economic evaluation of the impact of speech pathology services on criminal justice outcomes. The model l ing undertaken during this project showed that the direct effects of speech pathology intervention on youth offending and crime is positive. This new evidence strongly supports the Association’s advocacy to embed speech pathology services in the criminal justice system in al l Austral ian states and territories. On the strength of this project, the Association is now considering a simi lar project in the area of early chi ldhood intervention. The Association is committed to ensuring our advocacy is supported by the latest evidence where possible. A new International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology editor In January 2020, Professor Libby Cardel l joined Anne Whitworth (Editor in Chief) of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology as co- editor. Professor Cardel l’s appointment fol lowed the decision of Professor Kirrie Bal lard to step down from her editor duties. Professor Cardel l is a professor at Griffith University, where she establ ished the Master of Speech Pathology program in 2012. Professor Cardel l has extensive experience in academic writing, publ ishing, reviewing and book and article editing. Professor Bal lard commenced as editor of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology in 2014, initial ly for three years, fol lowed by a further three years as Editor in Chief and co-editor (alongside Anne Whitworth). Over this period, Professor Bal lard provided excel lent leadership and expert strategic direction, cementing the journal’s international profi le and strong ranking and citation levels within the range of speech language pathology academic publ ications. The Association thanks Kirrie for her dedication, expertise and hard work in editorial roles.

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Our Impact

Speech Pathology Australia is valued and recognised in the community.

Book of the Year The Book of the Year Awards were an outstanding success in 2020, despite the awards ceremony needing to move to a pre-recorded virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions. To celebrate the awards’ 2020 winners, the Association produced and released an awards video featuring snippets from al l the winning authors and i l lustrators, including a special read of Goat on a Boat by author Nick Dent. In 2020, the former ‘Indigenous Chi ldren’ category was renamed the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Chi ldren’s Book Award’ and its judging incorporated into the process for the four age-specific categories. This means that a book, written by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander author, is el igible to win both the age-related category for which it has been nominated and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Chi ldren’s Book Award category. In its seventeenth year, the awards received over 220 nominations. The winners in the awards’ five categories were: • Birth to 3 years: Meerkat Splash | written and i l lustrated by Aura Parker • Three to 5 years: Charl ie’s Shel l | written and i l lustrated by Marina Zlatanova • Five to 8 years: Goat on a Boat | written by Nick Dent and i l lustrated by Suzanne Houghton • Eight to 10 years: The Little Wave | written by Pip Harry • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Chi ldren’s Book Award: My Culture and Me | written and i l lustrated by Gregg Dreise.

Speechie Library Talks launched

Launched in November 2020, the Speechie Library Talks campaign is an initiative of the Association, in col laboration with the Austral ian Library and Information Association. In 2020, over 65 ‘talks’ were del ivered (face-to-face and onl ine), with over 800 parents and chi ldren participating. The aim of the campaign, held in conjunction with the Speech Pathology Austral ia Book of the Year awards, is to connect Speech Pathology Austral ia members with their local l ibrary, and highl ight the role of speech pathologists in language and l iteracy development.

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Speech Pathology Week Speech Pathology Week seeks to promote the speech pathology profession and the role of speech pathologists in supporting people with communication and swal lowing disorders. The theme for Speech Pathology Week in 2020 was Communicating with confidence! A key component of the campaign for Speech Pathology Week in 2020 was the production of a series of innovative videos, involving a ‘Rubik’s Cube’ and a ‘Jigsaw’ to promote the week’s theme. During a number of recent Speech Pathology Week campaigns, the Association’s communications and marketing team has worked closely with the Melbourne-based publ ic relations firm, Pesel and Carr. That partnership paid dividends in 2020, when the Association’s 2019 Speech Pathology Week campaign was rewarded with two International Association of Business Communicators 2020 Gold Qui l l Awards.

Professional education In May 2020, the Association launched its new Learning Management System (better known as the Learning Hub). With the coronavirus pandemic having already put a stop to al l face-to-face workshops, al l the Association’s professional education was moved rapidly onl ine. The Learning Hub provided a variety of learning formats: face-to-face events, LIVE Onl ine, On Demand, communities of practice, webisodes, and Speak Up podcasts. From the hub’s launch in May to December 2020, 14,717 educational offerings were accessed. In direct response to the pandemic, 12 new self- paced learning activities addressing COVID and its impact on cl inical practice, and 13 new self- paced learning activities addressing telepractice, were offered to members. In addition, the podcast series, Speak Up, released 46 episodes, resulting in 88,000 l istens. The Association also entered a number of new col laborations to further the professional education experience for members, including Lifel ine x SPA Accidental Counsel lor PLUS, and the Austral ian Library and Information Association. National Conference The Association’s Board of Directors at its meeting in March 2020 considered the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of its first decisions was to reschedule the 2020 National Conference, due to be held Darwin in May 2020, to May 2021 and to organise for the Association’s 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be a total ly onl ine event. Because of the ongoing chal lenges of the pandemic, the Board, at a subsequent meeting, resolved to change the 2021 conference from being a face-to-face conference to a total ly virtual onl ine event. Climate change In February, the Association’s Board of Directors acknowledged that cl imate change was a priority for members and the community. The Board agreed to form a working party to provide recommendations on measures the Association, members and cl ients can take to manage the impact of cl imate change, with a focus on the impact on those with communication and swal lowing difficulties.

Swallowing Awareness Day The theme for Swal lowing Awareness Day in 2020 was 'Dysphagia. A difficult diagnosis to swal low!' Despite the chal lenges of COVID-19, there was evidence that Dizzy, the Swal lowing Awareness Day mascot, was out and about spruiking the campaign. A video with Dr Jul ie Cichero, ‘What is swal lowing?’, was wel l received and helped to reinforce a strong social media campaign. The video was viewed 31,425 times and was engaged more than 2000 times on Facebook alone. In the lead up to Swal lowing Awareness Day, the Association distributed a number of media releases, including one in conjunction with the Dental Hygienists Association of Austral ia, titled ‘You only have one mouth – take good care of it!’

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Association Awards and Member Recognition It was a year of achievements for a number of members of Speech Pathology Austral ia. Dr Hi lary Johnson and Professor Pamela Snow were awarded Speech Pathology Austral ia Life Membership. Dr Robyn O’Hal loran and Ms Jennifer Peach were awarded the El inor Wray Award. Ms Cathy Clark was presented with a Service to the Association Awards. The Community Contribution award, which is granted by the Association to recognise outside agencies or individuals who have made a significant and valuable contribution to speech pathology was awarded to The City of Adelaide for ‘developing comprehensive strategies to support individuals with communication disabi l ities in accessing services, including l ibraries, community centres and customer service centres.” Innovation Awards Pursuant to the aspirations outl ined in the Speech Pathology 2030 report, the Association’s Board of Directors, in early 2019, approved the implementation of the Speech Pathology Austral ia Innovation Awards. In 2020, Professor Kirrie Bal lard won the Speech Pathology Austral ia Innovation Award in the Research Category for her work on ‘Say Bananas’, a col laboration between speech pathologists, engineers and computer scientists, to develop an interactive video-gaming system for remote tablet-based speech therapy. The Innovation Award in the Professional Practice category was not awarded in 2020.

Professor Pamela Snow - Life Membership

Dr Hilary Johnson - Life Membership

Dr Robyn O'Halloran - Elinor Wray Award

Ms Jennifer Peach - Elinor Wray Award

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Our Workforce

Speech pathologists are equipped for quality practice that meets community need.

New Professional Standards The Association commenced a review of the Competency Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists – Entry Level (CBOS) in mid- 2018. In August 2020, the Association introduced the new Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Austral ia (Professional Standards). The Professional Standards apply to al l speech pathologists from 1 January 2021. The Professional Standards recognise the broad and expanding scope and the diversity of roles within the profession. The Professional Standards highl ight speech pathologists have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of communication and swal lowing needs. The Professional Standards detai l: • The knowledge, ski l ls and attributes a speech pathologist practising in Austral ia must demonstrate and apply, at any point in their career, as relevant to their speech pathology role and work context. • The knowledge, ski l ls and attributes a graduating speech pathology student must demonstrate and be able to apply by the time they complete their entry-level degree. The CBOS wi l l continue to be the reference document for many Association functions unti l a formal transition process is implemented.

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia

1

1

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia

12 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Review of the Code of Ethics After an extensive review and consultative process, the Association developed the revised Code of Ethics 2020, which was formal ly launched in October 2020. The new 'Code' contains updated values, principles and standards for speech pathology professional practice in Austral ia. professional practice now and across the next 10 years. It takes into account the changing internal and external environments for speech pathology practice, including changes to models of service del ivery, access to services consumer engagement with speech pathology, the employment context of speech pathologists and with consideration of the eight core aspirations of the Speech Pathology 2030 report. The Association conducts a major review of its Code of Ethics at least once every 10 years. The new code has been al igned with contemporary practice to ensure it supports and reflects On 23 March 2020 the Association’s national office closed, and al l staff commenced working from home in l ine with government guidel ines and protocols in place at that time to address the coronavirus pandemic. Despite working remotely, national office continued to keep members informed about the pandemic and its impact on the profession. To this end, materials were developed to support the move to telehealth practice; al l professional development events were moved onl ine (via a new Learning Hub); and new guides, tools and resources were developed for members. These included: a new Infection Prevention and Control Guidel ine for Speech Pathologists; Guidance for service del ivery, cl inical procedures and infection control during COVID-19 pandemic; and a Risk Assessment Tool. In addition, a dedicated COVID-19 eNewsletter went out each Friday during the height of the pandemic, and information and content was added regularly to the Association’s website about PPE use and access; Medicare, private health insurance and DVA rebates; and redeployment. National office pivots in response to coronavirus pandemic

Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics 2020

Speech Pathology Australia COVID Advisory Group In response to the chal lenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association establ ished the COVID Advisory Group, drawing on the experience of speech pathologists from a range of cl inical areas and practice settings. Sincere thanks goes to fol lowing members involved with the advisory group for their advice and expertise: Cate Barrett, Patricia Bradd, Jul ie Cichero, Michel le Cimol i , Amanda Dansky, Gaenor Dixon, Bernadette Dutton, Shari Ful ler, Nicky Graham, Bronwyn Hemsley, Tracy Kel ly, Christine Kendal l, Barbara Lyndon , Cate Madi l l , Stel la Martin, Kathryn McKinley, Emma McLaughl in, Andrea Murray, Bernadette O’Connor, David O'Connor , Christopher Payten, Debra Phyland, Gloria Staios, Hannah Thompson, Liz Ward, Kel ly Weir, and Denise West. Thanks must also go to the Association’s staff who assisted the workings of the advisory group: Gai l Mulcair, Stacey Baldac, Nichola Harris, Trish Johnson, and Kym Torresi.

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Reconciliation matters

In 2020, Speech Pathology Australia continued its journey along the road to reconciliation.

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In this Together During National Reconciliation Week 2020, the Association reflected on the meaning of reconciliation, and how it can be achieved and released the following statement. “ Reconciliation must transcend Australian political theatre and promote a sense of national unity. All Australians should feel, as a nation, connected to the tens of thousands of years of human occupation of the Australian continent and surrounding Islands. ” (Reconciliation Australia, 2016, p2) Speech Pathology Australia believes that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. The theme of Reconciliation Week 2020 is “In This Together”, a theme that should resonate strongly with all Australians. To achieve genuine reconciliation, Speech Pathology Australia believes we all need to be in this together to develop and strengthen relationships built on acknowledgment and respect, and free of racism. To this end, Speech Pathology Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this land and acknowledges that these peoples were dispossessed, persecuted and oppressed as a result of colonisation in Australia. Speech Pathology Australia is committed to this ‘truth-telling’ and working toward developing our members’ understanding of how these histories continue to shape contemporary Australian society and to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures are treated with dignity and respect at all times. The Association, through its commitment in establishing its Reconciliation Action Plan and ongoing consultation and collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, continues to seek guidance and recommendations on matters that may impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the Association and provision of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The artwork for our Reconciliation Action Plan Gin-ow-ay Nambur 'To give, talk' (Gunnai Language) by artist, Dixon Patten aptly reflects the theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week of In this Together. It depicts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people coming together with the pathways representing two-way learning and walking in reconciliation. Speech Pathology Australia recognises that reconciliation is a work in progress, a work that is the responsibility of all members and staff. The Association remains committed to embedding the concept of reconciliation in decision-making and actions that matter to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Response to Racism In June 2020, the Association released the following statement following a number of concerning events that highlighted the lack of action on racism within society: "Speech Pathology Australia stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to condemn the racism and discrimination that they continue to face in their daily lives. We strongly support the Black Lives Matter movement and deplore violence and discrimination against all people of colour, regardless of ethnicity. We recognise the ongoing negative impact of intergenerational trauma faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a result of historic government policies and practices, current injustices, discrimination and bias that continues to exist in our nation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face deeply embedded distress as a result of past practices which separated children from their families, inequities in health and economic outcomes, and high rates of incarceration and deaths in custody. We respect the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the face of adversity, and value their cultures, knowledges, languages and ways of healing and the connection to, and custodianship of, land, waterways and sea. We re-affirm the commitments made in our Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our Reconciliation Action Plan and the Strategic Plan 2020. We acknowledge that reconciliation is an ongoing process and that responsibility rests with all members and staff of the Association. We know there is much more to be done. We commit to working in safe and culturally responsive ways with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to embedding the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the functions of the Association, and to calling out racism when it arises. It is no longer enough to only stand up and condemn racism, it is now time for us to work actively against it. To effect change, collective action is needed. We therefore urge all members to recognise the importance of listening carefully and respectfully to the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; to commit to engaging in conversations to build trust and to learn about the hidden truths and history that our First Nations peoples have known and experienced and the negative impacts this continues to have on their lives. We urge our members to take up their responsibility to build their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, strengths and challenges and to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within their communities to build understanding. The onus is on non-Indigenous people to contribute positively to change, and to a more equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The burden of change must not be borne only by those who live the experiences that make change necessary. Speech Pathology Australia will continue to work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee to ensure our commitment to change is evident in the actions we take, and to make these actions visible across the Association. The Association has committed to the development of a formal Position Statement on Racism and Discrimination. We encourage members to contact us with suggestions about further actions the Association can take and to share actions they have undertaken or plan to undertake in their stand against racism."

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee throughout 2020 continued to provide guidance, advice and support in relation to reconciliation and other First Nations issues pertinent to the Association and its membership. In early 2020 Shane Mohor was welcomed as the new Chair of the Advisory Committee. Shane is a descendant of the Ngarringjeri, Rauukan Community in the Coorong in South Australia. Shane has been a member of the Advisory Committee since its inception.

Amendments to the Advisory Committee’s terms of reference were also made in 2020, allowing for an expansion of the committee, to provide for a broader representation of advice and views from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. In May 2020, the Association appointed a Project Officer, Reconciliation Action Plan, to progress matters arising from to the Association’s initial (Reflect) RAP, and to work on the development of the new (Innovate) RAP. With advice from the Advisory Committee, the Association issued two separate statements on reconciliation (see page 15) and racism (see page 16) in 2020.

Gin-ow-ay Nambur 'To give, talk' (Gunnai Language) by artist, Dixon Patten

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2020

The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ABN: 17 008 393 440

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Financial report 2 020 was a professionally and fiscally challenging year, for the Association, our members and colleagues, due to the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is within that context, that it is pleasing to report that Speech Pathology Australia maintained a strong financial position while continuing to provide key services and activities on behalf of members. Speech Pathology Australia’s financial accounts for the end of 2020 show an overall total equity of $3,234,276 which is a small increase on the equity level of 2019. The growth in overall equity is the result of a net profit of $328,104. While the 2020 budget was set for a significant deficit with funds allocated to drive key strategic projects, the impact of COVID-19 meant that business activities were disrupted or not delivered due to imposed state-wide and national restrictions. Consequently, certain income streams were curtailed, while at the same time a number of planned expenses could not be fully enacted. The Association’s assets continue to include strong cash reserves. To ensure continued growth $850,000 was transferred to an investment portfolio to optimise a return on investment from the share market, as banking accounts offered extremely low interest rates. The investment property of Bank Place is retained as an important asset for the Association, which as per Note 9, was last formally valued at $1,7000,000 and continues to appreciate strongly. Additional assets include term deposits held for bequests funds, namely the Elizabeth Usher Lecture fund and the Nadia Verrall Memorial Research Scholarship grants (as mentioned in Note 23); the Queensland Registration Board Legacy Fund (also shown in Note 16 as a liability balance of $329,857, to be expended over the remainder of the 10-year term of the fund); and the bank guarantee term deposit, held as security for the lease on the Association’s national office premises. Further assets include payments to be received from accrued income, including sundry debtors, and prepayments. These assets are offset in part by Current and Non-current Liabilities of sundry creditors (payments yet to be paid); employee entitlement provisions and money received in advance for 2021, noted as deferred income; member fees received in advance for the following financial year; and conference sponsorship income deferred to 2021, due to the cancellation of the 2020 National Conference. The Detailed Profit and Loss Statement shows the overall total income for the year decreased by 5.6% from that of the previous year. The principal income for the Association was membership subscriptions which totalled $4,399,071. This was an increase of $343,192 from 2020 and represented approximately 70% of overall income. A non-budgeted income item of $100,000 arose from the Government’s ATO COVID Cash Flow Boost. Other income noted as Grants ($321,329) relates to the NDIS Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Grant, provided to develop a “Communication Hub” website resource for people with complex communication needs; the Digital Health Literacy grant; Queensland Registration Board Legacy Funds (drawn from the fund’s balance); and associated grant project management fees.

While membership and other areas of income rose slightly, our usual operating income streams such as the National Conference, which was cancelled, yielded no income. The income received via continuing education was also reduced. In terms of expenditure, the total overall expenses of $5,886,278 before tax, was an 11% decrease on last year’s expenses, reflecting the significant curtailing of particular activities due to COVID-19. Employee expenses remain the highest area of expense for the Association, increasing slightly in 2020. The increase in this area was critical in meeting the immediate and rapidly changing needs of members and the Association during this time. At the same time however, areas of travel, accommodation, venue hire, audio-visual support, consultants, and training and development, were all considerably reduced due to restrictions placed on face- face activities and other projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Payroll tax was considerably reduced from last year, reflecting the financial offset by the SRO Payroll Tax Relief payments. Amidst the challenges of 2020, rapid moves to virtual platforms to deliver professional education and other member supports to guide practice during the pandemic, were successful. There was also considerable progress made across some key strategic projects, including the introduction of the Learning Hub (LMS), launch of the new Professional Standards and revised Code of Ethics, finalisation of the Speech Pathology in the Justice Settings cost-benefit research, and commencement of the review of the Association’s website and promotional campaigns. With the moderate end of year profit level in sight, the Board committed to an ambitious deficit budget for 2021, to utilise the Members’ reserve funds for further priority areas of SPA’s 2020-2022 Strategic Plan. These include, but are not exclusive to, the commissioning of a comprehensive Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis; researching the cost benefit of early childhood intervention; implementation of a new promotional campaign focussing on GPs and the primary health workforce to increase awareness and recognition of the value of speech pathology services; transition of the new Professional Standards into University Accreditation processes; and an extensive website review informed by the recent Consumer Decision-Making project and member feedback. The Association’s equity remains very strong and provides the basis upon which the Association can continue to extend and enhance its responsive and innovative member services, which proved to be invaluable to members during 2020. It is heartening that membership levels remain high last year and show continued growth in 2021. The Board of Directors, CEO and management team are committed to strong fiduciary management of the Association, sustainability and growth, which in turn will serve to deliver on the needs and interests of members of the Association.

Maree Doble Director, Vice President Operations

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia

Directors’ report

The Directors of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd present their report for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Director details The following persons were Directors of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd during or since the end of the financial year.

Belinda Hill (Price) Period in office: 19 May 2014 – 25 May 2020 Office Bearer Role: Vice President Communications Member of Board Executive Subcommittee Member of Governance Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), University of Sydney Master of Applied Linguistics, Macquarie University Brooke Sanderson Period in office: 19 May 2014 – 25 May 2020 Casual appointment: 25 May 2020 - current Office Bearer Role: Vice President Operations (concluded 25 May 2020) Member of Board Executive Subcommittee Member of Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Human Communication Science), Curtin University of Technology Master of Business Administration, University of Western Australia Kathryn McKinley Period in office: 3 June 2019 – current Member of Governance Subcommittee Member of Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Speech Pathology, LaTrobe University Master of Health Administration, LaTrobe University

Timothy Kittel Period in office: 18 May 2015 - current Office Bearer Role: President Member of Board Executive Subcommittee Member of Governance Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Honours: English Literature), The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Flinders University, AICD, Graduate Chyrisse Heine Period in office: 18 May 2015 – current Office Bearer Role: Vice President Communications (appointed 25 May 2020) Member of Board Executive Subcommittee Member of Governance Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Speech & Hearing Therapy), University of the Witwatersrand Master of Arts (Audiology), University of the Witwatersrand Doctor of Philosophy, LaTrobe University Maree Doble Period in office: 28 May 2018 – current Office Bearer Role: Vice President Operations (appointed 25 May 2020) Member of Board Executive Subcommittee Member of Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Path.), University of Sydney Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney Eddie Ong Period in office: 3 June 2019 – 25 May 2020 (casual appointment) Member of Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Speech Therapy, The University of Queensland Graduate Diploma of Education, University of New England Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies, Griffith University Bronwyn Sutton Period in office: 25 May 2020 - current Member of Governance Subcommittee Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science - Speech Pathology, Sydney University Graduate Diploma in Further Education and Training, University of Southern Queensland Master of Special Education, Griffith University Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University

Alison Smith Period in office: 25 May 2020 – current Member of Governance Subcommittee Qualifications:

Bachelor of Speech Therapy, The University of Queensland Graduate Diploma of Education, University of New England Executive Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, Oxford University

Company Secretary Gail Mulcair Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences Graduate Diploma of Management, RMIT Master of Business, RMIT Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors

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