Speech Pathology Australia

About

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is the national peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia, representing more than 15,000 members. Speech pathologists are university qualified allied health professionals with expertise in the assessment and treatment of communication and/or swallowing needs across the life span.

Vision

Effective communication and safe swallowing for all throughout their life.

Advocacy

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) believes that all people with communication and swallowing needs should have timely access to safe, high-quality speech pathology care.

SPA advocates on behalf of their members and consumers to influence policy development, and legislative and regulatory reforms to reflect the needs and priorities of our members and people with communication and swallowing needs. SPA engages directly with Members of Parliament, Senators and key stakeholders such as government policy developers, decision makers and the various sectors where our members work.

Regulation / Accreditation

Speech Pathology is a self-regulated profession, with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) setting and upholding the professional and ethical standards for speech pathologists. SPA is a full member of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP). SPA certifies practitioners through the Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) program, accredits university courses, assesses overseas-qualified practitioners, and manages complaints.

CPSP certification ensures that practitioners meet high standards, engage in continual professional development (CPD), and comply with ethical and legal obligations. To maintain CPSP status, speech pathologists must hold a recognised qualification, demonstrate recent practice, and meet annual CPD requirements. CPSP status is required to provide services under programs like Medicare, private health insurance, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and some other schemes.