Speech Pathology Australia

Contact

Address: 1/114 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9642 4899
Email: office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Website: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

About

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is the national peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia, representing more than 8,000 members. Speech pathologists are university trained allied health professionals with expertise in the assessment and treatment of communication and/or swallowing difficulties.

Vision

Effective communication and safe swallowing – a right for all Australians throughout their life.

Advocacy

SPA represents the past, present and future of the speech pathology profession in Australia. The organisation strives to meet the demands of today while planning for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

SPA supports all Australians with speech, language and communication disorders and swallowing difficulties, by guiding their profession to practise within an ethical and evidence-based framework while recognising the highest quality standards, the importance of professional development and embracing the latest research.

SPA support the speech pathology workforce to remain dynamic and agile, and to have the capabilities and capacity to drive quality, innovation, and diversity, as enablers to achieve our vision.

Regulation/Accreditation

Speech Pathology is a self-regulated profession.  SPA is recognised by the Federal Government of Australia, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as the national scientific and professional standards organisation for speech pathologists in Australia. The Association has established, and monitors, the educational and clinical standards required for certified practising membership and is responsible for assessing those with overseas qualifications and the accreditation of university programs.

SPA-certified practising members must have completed an accredited university course and demonstrate recency of practice. Members that have met the continuing professional development requirements for the Professional Self Regulation Program are eligible to use the title Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP).

Speech pathologists, who are Certified Practicing Speech Pathologists members of SPA, are eligible providers for services under Medicare (for Chronic Disease Management and other eligible allied health items), private health funds,  Department of Veterans Affairs, Workcover, motor accident authorities, and other schemes including Helping Children With Autism (HCWA), Better Start for Children with Disability,  the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and My Aged Care.