Speech Pathology Australia (the Association) recognises that reconciliation is a work in progress, a work which is the responsibility of all members and staff.
We recognise the intergenerational impacts of historical and current wrongs and have undertaken to redress the negative impact of our past actions and inactions. As a profession we commit to working in culturally responsive ways, valuing the strengths, knowledges and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Following the advice of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, SPA has temporarily placed the development of a second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan on hold, it is important to note however that Reconciliation activities have not been suspended. Development of a second Innovate Reconciliation Action plan is expected to commence in late 2024, with all Association employees due to complete IAHA Level 3 training.
The following activity report draws upon the 2021 – 2023 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan framework. While the report provides an overview of recent activities, it is important to note that this does not include references to all activity.
Relationships
Speech Pathology Australia recognises the importance of positive, reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members, Peoples, Families and Communities.
Speech Pathology Australia’s Board of Directors appoints an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, to ensure that the voice, values and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in relation to culture, language, land, sea, water and history are embedded in the values and business of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) now and into the future.
Speech Pathology Australia works with Indigenous Allied Health Australia, with the aim of empowering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of working and knowing, being and doing within the profession. SPA is proud to offer two scholarships annually for IAHA Speech Pathology Student members to attend the National IAHA Conference.
Speech Pathology Australia is an Associate Member of SNAICC, supporting their mission to amplify the voice of community and the sector for the fulfilment of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
As an Association, we strongly encourage active participation in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) activities. In 2024, NRW coincided with Speech Pathology Australia’s Conference. The Conference was preceded by a cultural walk around Gumap (Elizabeth Quay), an activity that was well attended by Directors, Branch Chairs, Conference Planning Committee members and employees of the Association. The conference was officially opened, with an inspiring Welcome to Country, from Wadjuk man, Justin Martin. The program included a plenary session, delivered by Sammy Wyborn, an Aboriginal woman of the Djugun, Yawuru and Bardi Jawi Tribes. Sammy’s presentation titled ‘Wnjardi’ undo the knot, aimed to extend attendee’s understanding of socio-historical processes that shape current relationships.
Reconciliation WA events were advertised within the conference program, with staff and Directors encouraged to attend where possible. This included attendance at an insightful event exploring the Memoirs of Noongar leader, Carol Innes. Carol has made a significant contribution to the recognition, preservation, and advancement of Aboriginal culture, rights, and economic opportunities in Western Australia.
The conference was also utilised as an opportunity to raise funds for the ‘Wear it Yellow’ campaign. A campaign established to support Children’s Ground. An organisation led by First Nations communities who are creating a different future for the next generation of children.
As a team, employees were invited to engage in a NRW Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Morning Tea for Culture. An opportunity for everyone to extend their understanding in a relaxed and engaging forum.
SPA continues to engage with other likeminded organisations, with a representative of the leadership team attending the recent Reconciliation Australia RAP learning circle in Melbourne. This provided valuable insights into initiatives being undertaken by other organisations to advance Reconciliation. Learnings from this event will be considered in the planning process for the Association’s next Reconciliation Action Plan.
Respect
Speech Pathology Australia is committed to demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across our policies, publications and interactions with individuals, families and communities.
Speech Pathology Australia published the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturally responsive capability framework (SPA, 2023). The framework aims to increase the capability of the speech pathology profession to deliver culturally safe and responsive health and wellbeing services, in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities. It provides guidance, support and cultural learnings for organisations including SPA, as well as the speech pathology profession. In particular, it emphasises increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech pathology workforce. It also provides information for organisations and individuals about how to engage in and be accountable for personal cultural learning to ensure a culturally responsive and capable speech pathology workforce. Further resources, including Cultural Protocols will follow.
SPA licenses Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Cultural Responsiveness Training Levels one and two, making these available as complimentary professional education resources for all members via the Learning Hub. These resources remain very popular on the Learning Hub with Level 1 accessed by 3,500 members and Level 2 by 2,500 in the last 12 months alone.
Speech Pathology Australia employees are required to complete level 1 and 2 training as part of their onboarding process, with all current employees having completed this level of training. In addition, all contractors involved in the development of practice guidelines are expected to have completed the IAHA levels one and two or equivalent prior to commencement and incorporate information regarding working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples into documents.
All employees will be undertaking IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Training Level three in August. This training will provide attendees with information on the practical application of SPA’s Cultural Capability Framework, a deeper understanding of the IAHA Cultural Responsiveness in Action framework, and direction for action planning, while recapping and reflecting on the key concepts and learnings from levels one and two. Plans will be made for the Board of Directors to undertake this training in the future.
Speech Pathology Australia’s Reframing and repositioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research (SPA, 2023), articulates the Association's position and explores principles and responsibilities of speech pathologists when conducting research in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities, and when considering external evidence from research.
The Senior Advisor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research and Practice, and the broader Professional Standards team consulted on the development of the 2024 conference submission guidelines.
SPA employees and members participated in a range of NAIDOC week activities, including the flag raising ceremony at Federation Square (Naarm). Personalised emails were sent to all Branches raising awareness and encouraging participation in key local events.
Opportunities
Speech Pathology Australia recognises the importance of equity and responsiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in access to speech pathology services. We work to embed the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples within the strategic direction, governance and advocacy of the Association. We strive to provide opportunities for employment within the Association and culturally responsive support for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. SPA is committed to creating opportunities for First Nations people, organisations and communities.
A review is underway of a range of Association Employment Practice policies, with consideration given to the cultural safety of our recruitment and retention processes. The aim is to remove barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our workplace.
Speech Pathology Australia continues to proactively procure goods and services from First Nations organisations.
SPA continues to prioritise the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on the Board of Directors. Opportunities are also available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to engage in Committees and Working Parties.