Speak Up

In this week’s episode, Dr Elizabeth Murray (SPA Thriving Kids Reference Group) speaks with Denise Imms (Thriving Kids Advisory Group) and Dr Erin West (SPA Manager Policy and Advocacy) about the forthcoming Thriving Kids program. They discuss what is known and what has not yet been announced about universal and targeted supports, misconceptions, and steps practitioners can take now to prepare for this program.

Resources:

PRECI National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention?language=en

PRECI Decision-making guide: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-09/the-national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention-decision-making-guide.pdf

PRECI Framework resources: https://www.preci.org.au/framework-links/

PRECI learning activities: https://events.humanitix.com/host/preci-australia?mc_cid=cbcb042b95&mc_eid=UNIQID

The Front Project webinar; Thriving Kids: What it is, how it might work: https://www.thefrontproject.org.au/news-hub/417-webinar-recording-thriving-kids-what-it-is-how-it-might-work

Thriving Kids Advisory Group report: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report?language=en

SPA resources:

Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Advocacy/Foundational-Supports-and-Thriving-Kids.aspx?hkey=9563b44c-bca3-47c8-b996-d905b570e00f

Speech pathology in education learning program: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/services/About-speech-pathologists/Speech-pathology-in-Education.aspx

SPA Policy and Advocacy feedback form: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/Advocacy/Share-your-feedback.aspx?WebsiteKey=bf2f5d12-81e9-45de-b848-da380f72ca15

Speak Up S7E35: Foundational supports. Audio: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=923936 Video (Member only): https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1498530

In this week’s episode, Professor Tanya Serry from La Trobe university and co-founder of the SOLAR lab, speaks about the systematic synthetic phonics approach to reading. Tanya speaks about the role speech pathologists can play in research, and trends or changes in reading instruction over the years. Tanya also worked on the upcoming revised guidance about literacy for members.

SPA resources:

Child and adolescent literacy clinical guidelines (2021): https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=127

Speech pathology in education practice guideline (2022): https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=130

Speech pathology in education position statement (2022): https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=101

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts, as well as a full list of resources and references for this podcast, is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/). You will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio, or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, we recognise Swallowing Awareness Day by speaking with Stacey Baldac, SPA's Chief Speech Pathology Advancement, about a research project co-designed with people living with dysphagia. Stacey shares the importance of person-centred meals, communication, and collaboration in making mealtimes safe and enjoyable.

Resources:
UTS What's got us talking podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J0C49qSCRtc6zdwsXJo5E

Safer Care Victoria – Communicating safe eating and drinking: https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/best-practice-improvement/clinical-guidance/older-people/safe-eating-and-drinking

SPA resources:
SPA dysphagia resources:
https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Dysphagia-resources.aspx

Swallowing Awareness Day: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Swallowing-Awareness-Day.aspx?hkey=d108641b-dd30-4b89-87bf-9a03220716b4

The role of speech pathology in informed choice and shared decision-making in dysphagia: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=107

Swallowing difficulty: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/Comm-swallow/Swallowing.aspx?hkey=93e46500-d5af-4f7b-a60f-a34533e1e9f2

Modified foods and fluids terminology: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Modified-foods-and-fluids-terminology.aspx?hkey=22be50e5-4aab-4201-b443-82db0e1a2a34

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this episode we are rebroadcasting an episode from 2024 and reflect on the how a flexible approach to service delivery can improve the accessibility, adaptability, and efficacy of our supports There are many unknowns in the lead up to changes such as the introduction of Thriving Kids, and flexibility may help us weather these changes. We speak with Tania Kelly, Yadanar Tut, and Gaenor Dixon from the Department of Education in Queensland. Gaenor, Tania and Yadanar have been working with schools to establish flexible ways of delivering their services without compromising on quality. We discuss some of the enablers, barriers, and outcomes of these flexible models and the equitable service this promotes.

SPA resources:
Telepractice toolkit: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3279

Telepractice in speech pathology position statement:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Common/Uploaded%20files/Smart%20Suite/Smart%20Library/1ebffbac-b78f-4956-963d-f12b00542dc5/FINAL_Telepractice-Position-Statement.pdf

Speech Pathology in Education Position Statement:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/libraryviewer?ResourceID=101

Speech pathology in Education Practice Guideline: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/libraryviewer?ResourceID=130

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, we speak with Amanda Hartmann about her experience with developing skills and confidence when working with AAC users. Amanda reflects on the changes over the time she has been a speech pathologist and shares some of her learnings.

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts, as well as a full list of resources and references for this podcast, is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/). You will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio, or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.