The Council is the Board of Directors of Speech Pathology Australia and has to uphold all the responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the Association. Council is responsible for the determination of broad corporate strategies, the establishment of policies and meeting the formal and legal obligations of the Association.

Council comprises of eight Councillors (one from each state and territory) and a Council elected President. Council meet four times per year with face to face meetings usually occurring in February, May, August and November.

In June, Councillors are expected to attend the National Conference and the Association's Annual General Meeting.

Council Nomination

Councillor appointments are for a term of two years, with the ability to re-nominate for further terms. Each year, four Councillor positions are due for nomination, along with re-appointment of any casual councillor positions if this has occurred in the preceding year.

For the 2012-13 period, nominations are now called for Councillors from the following Branches:

NSW
NT
QLD (one year)
SA
WA

To become a Councillor is a major responsibility within the Association. Many Councillors have not previously undertaken a similar role with its legal, financial and strategic management responsibilities. All possible support and assistance is provided by experienced Councillors, especially members of the Council Management Group (CMG), the Chief Executive Officer and the staff at National Office. While a formal support and mentoring structure is established, Councillors are encouraged to provide a support network for each other. As a Councillor, this key leadership role offers a wonderful opportunity to develop new skills and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of the Association.

Councillors are required to attend all Council meetings. There are usually four weekend meetings held per year.Council nomination forms are now available from National Office and on our website. Each nomination must address key selection criteria, include a current curriculum vitae and present a short intention statement for serving on Council. A Councillor Nomination Information Package can also be found below. 

 Council Nomination Form

 Councillor Nomination Information Package

Completed nomination forms must be received at National Office by Monday 31 January 2012.

Appointments will become effective from the 2012 Annual General Meeting to be held in June and will be effective for a period of two years. Any voting member who is resident of these states or territory may wish to nominate. Retiring Councillors are eligible to renominate. Elections will be held if more than one nomination is received from a Branch.

For further information please see the Councillor’s Position Description, available under the Section five of the Policy and Procedures Manual, available on the Speech Pathology Australia website or contact your Branch’s current Councillor, Chris Stone (President) or Gail Mulcair (Chief Executive Officer).

Council Meetings

At Council meetings, decisions affecting the policies and procedures of the Association and the running of the business are debated and resolved. Council Management Group (incorporating the President, Vice President Operations and Vice President Communication) meets on the Friday before the start of each Council meeting, and monthly by teleconference between meetings.

Each portfolio is required to present a progress and a financial report at each Council meeting. These reports are standing items on the agenda. Any Councillor can add additional items to the agenda for ratification, information, or discussion as required. The usual pattern of meetings is: strategic discussion (Friday evening) and general business (Saturday and Sunday if required). In addition to this, each Council meeting has a specific focus: