COVID-19 News and Information
26/5: HICAPS and telehealth
HICAPS has extended its telehealth support by enabling telehealth services for speech pathology services (in addition to the new temporary MBS item codes) via the HICAPS terminal. Read more…
26/5: Watch a video on how to wear personal protective equipment
In this video, Alison McMillan, Australia’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, demonstrates how to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for allied health professionals during COVID-19. Watch now…
26/5: State and territory information, grants and assistance
Each Australian state and territory is providing different financial help, restrictions and assistance for businesses affected by COVID-19. Keep up-to-date. Read more…
26/5: COVID-19 Primary Care and Allied Health webinar
The next Department of Health COVID-19 Primary Care and Allied Health webinar to update practitioners from primary care and allied health on the COVID-19 response is on Thursday from 2:30-3 pm (AEST). Read more…
22/5: Access to Surgical Masks through PHNs – Updated Information
The Association is pleased to announce that after significant advocacy work, speech pathologists are now eligible for limited access to surgical masks from the national Medical Stockpile. Download the Updated Information 
. 
22/5: NEW webinar: The Road to recovery during COVID 19
The Association in conjunction with Realise Business is conducting a webinar relevant to members who own or run a business, including sole provider. Read more…
22/5: COVID-19 allied health checklist for receptionists
The Department of Health has produced a checklist for allied health receptionists to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. Read more…
21/5: Speechies in schools – NSW Department of Education advice
The NSW Department of Education has provided advice that impacts speech pathologists who work in schools and are considering a return to work. Read more…
21/5: Update to Private Health Funds - HBF
Private Health Fund HBF has produced a number of resources to promote their support for speech pathology and telehealth. Read more...
20/5: Returning to work soon
The Association is aware that with government announcements regarding easing of COVID-19 restrictions many members will be returning to face-to-face work. View a range of new resources to help members returning to work. Read more…
18/5: UPDATED Speech Pathology Australia guidance for service delivery, clinical procedures and infection control during COVID-19 pandemic 
The Association recognises that speech pathologists and authorities are seeking guidance regarding speech pathology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. This updated statement (Version 3: 18 May 2020) aims to provide in-principle guidance relating to speech pathology service delivery, clinical procedures that pose particular risks, and infection control to minimise transmission of COVID-19. This guidance is provided in the context of a rapidly evolving health care emergency and is subject to change as new data and information becomes available. The Association will continue to provide important updates to members on these critical clinical management decisions. Read more…
15/5: Safe Work Australia resources
The Safe Work Australia website provides a hub of work health and safety guidance and tools that Australian workplaces can use to manage health and safety risks related to COVID-19. Read more…
13/5: National initiatives offering online resources for health workers to support their mental health
There are several national initiatives offering online resources for health workers to support their mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more…
13/5: UPDATED: Redeployment of speech pathologists during the COVID-19 pandemic
Speech Pathology Australia is aware that members may be required by their employer to re-deploy to an alternative area of practice. This direction may result from increased demand for clinical care staff, changes to staffing levels and the need to maximise the available number of skilled health professionals. Read more…
12/5: COVID-19 Primary Care and Allied Health webinar – Thursday 14 May
The next Department of Health webinar is on Thursday 14 May from 1-1.30 pm. The panel includes Michael Kidd (Principal Medical Advisor), Alison McMillan (Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer) and Catherine Turnbull (Chief Allied and Scientific Officer – SA Health). The webinar will provide a brief update specific to primary care and allied health professionals and answer as many questions as the panel can from participants. Read more…
9/5: Department of Health privacy checklist for telehealth
The Department of Health has prepared a checklist to assist allied health professionals to comply with privacy obligations when delivering telehealth services. Read more…
7/5: WorkSafe item codes for temporary telehealth sessions
WorkSafe has, as part of its response to COVID-19, introduced temporary item codes for speech pathologists to deliver services via telehealth. WorkSafe expects providers to be aware of all the telehealth considerations. Read more…
7/5: IAHA Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Professionals
Indigenous Allied Health Australia has developed a resource toolkit that includes posters on important contacts, tips and information. Read more…
6/5: New Resource: Break the Chain of Infection poster
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has produced a new resource to illustrate the chain of transmission in the context of COVID-19 and to highlight what measures can be implemented to interrupt the spread of this infection. It is for both clinician and non-clinician audiences. Download the poster…
5/5: UPDATED: Guidance for access to available supplies of PPE
Information about guidance for access to available supplies of PPE (masks) for allied health in the community through PHNs has been updated. Read more…
4/5: APHA encourages members to familiarise themselves with COVIDSafe app
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and its member organisations (including Speech Pathology Australia) are keen to ensure the safety of healthcare and medical workforce, and that they are supported in their efforts as frontline workers delivering essential services. To this end, members are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app. Read more…
1/5: Important guidance for access to available supplies of PPE
Following strong advocacy by the Association, there is important guidance for access to available supplies of PPE (masks) for allied health in the community through PHNs. Read more…
30/4: Update to Private Health Funds and telehealth billing
Further updates relating to Private Health Funds announcing that customers who have extras cover for speech pathology will be able to make a claim for speech pathology services delivered via telehealth. Read more…
30/4: Next Department of Health Webinar for Allied Health Practitioners
The next ‘COVID-19 response update for Allied Health Practitioners’ webinar hosted by the Australian Department of Health is on Thursday 30 April, from 2.30 pm – 3.10 pm. A panel of experts will provide an update as well as answer as many of the participants’ questions as possible in the time. Read more…
29/4: REMINDER: Flu vaccinations for members working in aged care facilities
A reminder that the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has recommended all residential aged care staff and visitors – including external workers - be vaccinated by 1 May 2020. Read more…
29/4: 20% discount for members to use Coviu telehealth platform
The Association has secured a 20% discount for members who choose to use the Coviu telehealth platform. This is a member-only benefit. Read more…
28/4: Purchasing telepractice equipment under NDIS
The NDIA has temporarily broadened the flexible approach to purchasing low cost AT items to help participants continue to receive their NDIS funded supports and services during this period. Read more…
27/4: Telepractice checklist for speech pathologists
The Association has produced a telepractice checklist for speech pathologists. The checklist is designed to assist speech pathologists commence service-delivery via telepractice. Read more…
24/4: Five new webinars on delivering complex disability services
Five new webinars on ‘Delivering Complex Disability Services via Telepractice’ are available on the ‘Learning to Use Telepractice’ web page. Read more…
24/4: TAC announces telehealth item codes now available for speech pathologists
The TAC have provided details regarding TAC item codes and rates for telehealth services provided by speech pathologists. Read more…
22/4: Next Department of Health Webinar for Allied Health Practitioners
The next ‘COVID-19 response update for Allied Health Practitioners’ webinar hosted by the Australian Department of Health is on Thursday 23 April, from 2.30 pm – 3.10 pm. A panel of experts will provide an update as well as answer as many of the participants’ questions as possible in the time. Read more…
22/4: New ADHA toolkit – including telehealth
The Australian Digital Health Agency has developed a toolkit to support health professionals and provide advice regarding the security aspects of health technology – including telehealth platforms. Read more…
21/4: Flu vaccinations and COVID-19
The Department of Health recommends that Australians have a flu vaccination to avoid the possibility of infection by both flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Further information regarding flu vaccination is available for staff and residents of aged care facilities and for flu vaccination requirements for visitors to aged care facilities.
20/4: Speechies no longer required to bulk-bill COVID-19 telehealth
Speech pathologists are no longer required to bulk-bill COVID=19 telehealth (video conference) and telephone consultations where the service is provided to children under 16, concession card holders and those vulnerable to COVID 19. Speech pathologists may continue their usual billing practices and use the new telehealth item codes. Read more…
20/4: JobKeeper Payments
The JobKeeper payment supports businesses significantly affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). The ATO have released comprehensive information regarding the administration of this payment including details about eligibility requirements. Applications open on 20 April via the ATO website. Read more…
20/4: Questions relating to government support? Contact Realise Business
Association members are able to contact Realise Business with questions about recently announced government supports and/or for advice about business sustainability during COVID 19. Read more…
17/4: UPDATED Speech Pathology Australia guidance for service delivery, clinical procedures and infection control during COVID-19 pandemic
The Association recognises that speech pathologists and authorities are seeking guidance regarding speech pathology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. This statement aims to provide in-principle guidance relating to speech pathology service delivery, clinical procedures that pose particular risks, and infection control to minimise transmission of COVID-19. This guidance is provided in the context of a rapidly evolving health care emergency and is subject to change as new data and information becomes available. The Association will continue to provide important updates to members on these critical clinical management decisions.
Download the Updated Guidance Document
17/4: New FAQs Information Sheet: Telepractice and the public
The Association is aware that interest in the use of Telepractice (Telehealth) has increased in response to the outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19. In response, it has produced a new FAQs Information Sheet to provide guidance and resources to members of the general public for understanding and successfully participating in Telepractice services for speech pathology. Read more…
17/4: Working from home during COVID-19
Members working from home during COVID-19 should be aware that the Australian Taxation Office will accept a temporary simplified method (or shortcut method) of calculating additional running expenses from 1 March 2020 until at least 30 June 2020. Read more…
17/4: National Tour 2020 rescheduled
The Association's 2020 National Tour has been rescheduled to 2021. Read more...
16/4: New FAQ on Zoom telehealth platform and security
Aware of concerns raised by members regarding the security of meetings conducted over the ‘Zoom’ IT platform, the Association has published a FAQs Information Sheet on ‘Zoom telehealth platform and security’. Read more…
15/4: Next Department of Health Webinar for Allied Health Practitioners
The next ‘COVID-19 response update for Allied Health Practitioners’ webinar hosted by the Australian Department of Health is on Thursday 16 April, from 2.30 pm – 3.10 pm. The webinar, hosted by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM, is specifically for Allied Health practitioners. Michael will provide an update on the COVID-19 response, and answer questions from participants. Read more…
14/4: Private health funds and rebates for telehealth sessions update
Following advocacy work by the Association, private health funds are announcing that customers with extras cover for speech pathology will be able to make a claim for such services delivered via telehealth. Read more…
10/4: NDIS announces participants can use budgets to purchase equipment for telehealth
NDIS has announced participants can use budgets to purchase equipment for telehealth. More details are expected to be released next week. Read more...
9/4: Announcement from HiCAPS
HiCAPS has announced that it is waiving merchant terminal rental fees for three months, from 1 April to 30 June 2020, for all customers. Other transaction fees and charges will remain the same. Read more…
9/4: Temporary Telehealth Medicare Items for COVID-19 updated
The MBS telehealth items as result of COVID 19 Information Sheet that provides a summary and links to important information from the Department of Health about the new temporary telehealth items introduced as a result of COVID-19. Read more…
8/4: TAC introduces telehealth item codes for speech pathologists
Speech Pathology Australia provided a submission to TAC last week to support the introduction of item codes for speech pathology services delivered via telehealth. TAC has today confirmed introduction of these new codes. Read more…
8/4: Cochrane healthcare library temporarily unrestricted
Cochrane conducts systematic reviews of healthcare evidence and is currently undertaking various activities relating to COVID-19. Access to the Cochrane library is temporarily unrestricted. There are also a number of projects in the exploratory and planning stage that will be relevant to speech pathologists. Read more…
8/4: COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities
The Australian Department of Health has a collection of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities about coronavirus (COVID-19). These resources include a poster, audio, digital and video materials. Read more…
8/4: Webinar: COVID-19 response update for primary care and allied health practitioners
Another webinar in a series hosted by the Australian Department of Health to update primary care and allied health practitioners on the COVID-19 response will commence at 2:30 pm AEST on 9 April. A panel of experts will answer participants’ questions. Read more…
7/4: Member event- live Facebook Q&A session via Private Practice Facebook community
From 6 pm AEST on Wednesday 8 April 2020
'Government supports for small businesses as a result of COVID -19'
Jacqui Attard, CEO Realise Business
For more details email the Association’s Manager Professional Practice,
3/4: More support for members about the Job-Keeper Package
Realise Business Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Attard (
see item from 2/4 on Job-Keeper Subsidy), has shared the following clip with the Association that includes information and advice about the Job Keeper package for business owners, including sole traders.
Watch this video…
3/4: Guide for Home Care Providers
The Department of Health Aged Care Update has released a guide on their website for providers of in home support to older people (via CHSP or Home care package funding. "This guide provides information and guidance on how to stay safe from COVID-19 including how providers can prepare their organisation, equipment and resources, and how staff and clients can manage COVID-19". Whilst much of this guide is written for a care worker perspective, members may find useful information and resources to relate to your own practice. The Association has written to the department asking for further advice and specific clarification regarding access to PPE for speech pathologists supporting these older clients at home. Read more…
2/4: COVID-19 Employer Alert: New Job-Keeper Subsidy
As part of the Federal Government’s “Economic Response to the Coronavirus”, a new JobKeeper Payment has been announced. Businesses impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to access the JobKeeper subsidy to continue paying their employees. WorkPlacePLUS have provided some information for employers: Read more…
2/4: Telehealth resources available for speech pathologists
The Association has a range of resources relating to Telepractice, including a general FAQ on Telepractice, an FAQ on Technology, Privacy and Security, and an informed consent form template. Read more…
2/4: DVA updates to fee schedules to allow clients to access allied health services via telehealth
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, consultations and clinical assessments may be delivered by speech pathologists to all eligible DVA clients via telephone or video conferencing attendance for the period 1 April to 30 September 2020. Read more…
31/3: Government Stimulus packages for business owners
Realise Business recorded a webinar last week “Recovering form business interruption due to the Covid -19”. Read more…
31/3: Series of webinars on COVID-19
The Department of Health is now running regular webinars on COVID-19. Read more...
31/3: Temporary Telehealth Bulk-Billed Items for COVID-19
More information has been released by the Federal Government around CDM items (along with items AHPs can use with people with autism and people with an Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander background that were announced yesterday). Read more...
30/3: Update: BUPA and rebates for telehealth sessions
In discussions with the Association, BUPA has confirmed they would like to continue to support their customers to access speech pathology services through COVID-19. BUPA has announced that customers who have extras cover for speech pathology will be able to make a claim for speech pathology services delivered via telehealth as of Monday 30 March 2020. Read more...
30/3: COVID-19 Bulk Billed MBS Telehealth Services for Allied Health Providers
The Association has put together some information relating to Bulk Billed MBS Telehealth Services for Allied Health Providers. Read more...
30/3: Overseas trained qualification and competency assessments and re-entry program members
The Association has updated information on the impact of COVID-19 on overseas trained qualification and competency assessments and re-entry program members.
26/3: Professional Education Events
All face-to-face workshops have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. The Association is working to contact all speakers and put in place plans for workshops to be online. Read more...
26/3: Letter to Allied Health Practitioners from the Government
The Association has received a letter from the Australian Department of Health specifically direct to allied health practitioners. The letter outlines the government’s current and future support for the central role allied health practitioners are playing in the national response to COVID-19. As the letter states: “Allied health professionals are fundamental in meeting community needs in this evolving and complex challenge.” Read more…
25/3: Risks associated with speech pathology procedures: transmission of COVID-19
Speech Pathology Australia is aware that many members undertake procedures with clients that involve potential exposure to oral, nasopharyngeal and/or laryngeal/tracheal secretions. Members are seeking information and guidance to support safe practice and reduce the risk of transmission of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more…
25/3: Social distancing update
National Cabinet has asked the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee for advice on options for the progressive scale up of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more…
24/3: Allied health considered essential services during COVID-19
Breaking news from Federal Health Minister, the Hon Greg Hunt. In light of some states shutting down ‘non-essential services’, the Minister has confirmed that ALL allied health businesses nationally can continue working and are encouraged to do so. The Minister has also indicated that the Department of Health is now developing full allied health telehealth options, along with other health and medical services, within the week. This will be part of a staged plan and he encourages providers to continue vital face-to-face services where possible. Read more...
23/3: COVID-19 and Easy English
The Association has identified a range of Easy English resources to explain COVID-19. Read more...
20/3: Telepractice resources
The Association is aware that telepractice is increasingly being considered for the provision of clinical services. A range of resources have been located in one place to assist members considering telehealth. Read more....
18/3: Infection Control
Members are reminded to know and utilise infection control procedures appropriate to their clinical setting. Information is available from many sources including the Australian Government Department of Health and the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission. Read more...
18/3: Webinar for member who own/run their own business
Registrations are open for a webinar on recovering from business interruption due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The webinar is on Thursday 26 March from 12 pm AEDT. Read more…
18/3: Coronavirus (COVID-19) campaign resources
A collection of COVID-19 campaign resources from the Australian Department of Health for the general public, including videos and posters.
18/3: NDIS Coronavirus Information
NDIS has a newsletter with information on the COVID-19, including material in Easy English.
18/3: Coronavirus and workplace laws
Association members (including practice owners, employees, contractors and casual workers) can contact WorkPlacePLUS (Anna Pannuzzo 0419 533 434) regarding workplace obligations and entitlements.
17/3: Use of telepractice (telehealth) - UPDATE
The Association is aware that interest in the use of telepractice (telehealth) has increased in response to the outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19. The Association has created an FAQ document to provide guidance and resources to members for responsibly implementing and maintaining clinical standards through telepractice. Read more...
Further, for members considering changing their service delivery model from face-to-face to telepractice it maybe appropriate to consider how they would answer the questions on this ‘telepractice’ decision tree. Where there is no evidence published regarding delivering a service via telepractice, clinicians should utilise the same decision-making process for other treatments or methods that do not yet have published evidence. View the Ethical decision making: Should I use this therapy approach? guide for members .
17/3: Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and healthcare managers
A range of resources, including -information for health care and residential care workers, guidelines for outbreaks in residential care facilities, and information on work attendance and testing for health and residential aged care workers is now available from the Australian Department of Health website. Read more...
16/3: Dedicated page on COVID-19 as it relates to membership
A new page has been created on the website to keep members up-to-date on matters relating to their membership of th Association and related matters (e.g. National Conference, professional development, travel, etc.). Read more...
16/3: Business Continuity: COVID-19
The Association is aware that private practice owners may be facing an uncertain financial situation at present and wish to provide as much support as possible. Attached is some information regarding supports practice owners can use to address the risks for their business. Business Continuity: COVID-19 Information Sheet .
13/3: Support for business from the Australian Government
The Australia government has provided information about financial assistance, eligibility and timing of the new government support for
businesses impacted by corona virus. Small business owners may be eligible for additional assistance.
For details about the instant asset write-off threshold, cash flow boosts, employer obligations and travelling. Read more...
12/3: Letter from the Chief Medical Officer regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Residential Aged Care
The Department of Health’s Chief Medical Officer has written to Residential Aged Care Providers regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The letter addresses the importance of infection control and health emergency planning in residential care. View the letter.
6/3: Primary Care COVID-19 Preparedness Forum - Communique 6 March 2020
On 6 March, the Australian Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy convened a primary care forum to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Forum was attended by a number of general practitioners and other members of the primary care workforce as well as members of organisations representing doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pathologists, pharmacists, practice managers, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and other members of the primary care sector.
Outbreak of coronavirus
Speech Pathology Australia is aware that members are seeking advice regarding appropriate actions to take to minimise risks associated with the recent outbreak of coronavirus.
Members should access current advice and information provided (almost daily) by the health department in their state or territory and follow the recommended actions.
In addition, the Australian Health Department has a ‘Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)’ page on its website, which provides up-to-date news, advice and information. There is also a link to information from the Chief Medical Officer.
Members who employ or contract staff need to manage their communications, policies, practices and employer obligations regarding this new public health issue. This includes ensuring any Infection Control policies are current and that staff follow appropriate infection control procedures . WorkPlacePLUS have provides more information regarding employer obligations. For further advice or support member can contact WorkPlacePLUS.