Practice, Workplace and Government portfolios and the CEO have conducted a range of follow up activities, subsequent to the final outcome of the Federal Election. Contact has focused on gaining commitment to the two proposals of the Association’s Election Platform, namely, a National Inquiry into the social and economic impact of communication and swallowing disorders; and Mandating universal access to speech pathology services for preschool and school-aged children with speech and language disorders.  There has also been considerable government activity around the National Disability Strategy and the announced Better Start for Children with Disability program.  

Correspondence and contact to date include:

• Press release congratulating Minister Nicola Roxon on her re-appointment as Health Minister and highlighting our proposals within the election platform, in particular the National Inquiry.
• Press release congratulating Senator Jan McLucas as new Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, highlighting our position on the National Disability Strategy and Better Start for Children with a Disability.  A letter directly to Senator McLucas has also been sent requesting a meeting to discuss the Association’s views.
• Letter to Bob Brown, Leader of the Australian Greens, congratulating his party on their House of Representatives appointment and reinforcing our proposals regarding the National Inquiry and Access to SP services for School and Preschool children.
• Letter to Independents (Mr Wilkie, Oakshot, and Windsor) congratulating them on their appointment/balance of power and reinforcing our proposals regarding the National Inquiry, Registration and Access to SP services for School and Preschool children. 
• A response has been received from Chief of Staff for Andrew Wilkie inviting us to schedule a meeting with him early next year.
• Letter to Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for Childcare, regarding a newly announced parent-home based program to early literacy, with the profession’s role in Early Childhood development reinforced.
• Letter to Hon Peter Garrett, Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, regarding an announced working group on strategies to support students with disability and special needs, with a request made to include Speech Pathology Australia on this working group. A press release was also distributed with this same message. In response we were contacted by Mary Lou Carter of the Carers Alliance who gave support for our inclusion and concurred with our view on a more integrated approach being vital.  Contact with this group will be continued. A related press release from the Opposition in regard to the government’s disability strategy was also followed up on, with an email sent to Hon Christopher Pyne and Senator Mitch Fifield highlighting the profession’s position.
• Letter to Senator Rachel Siewart, Australian Greens, to highlight the profession’s proposal on a National Inquiry to gain her commitment and support (noting that she was previously the Chair, National Inquiry into Hearing Health). Request to meet with her directly currently under follow up.

The Lobbying Resource Kit has been compiled to support members undertaking Association lobbying activities at a Branch level.  Learnings from our 2010 national lobbying strategy have been incorporated and useful resources supplied to assist in Branch state-based Lobby Campaigns.

 Lobbying Resource Kit