Help shape culturally safe and responsive practice across the speech pathology profession.

Speech Pathology Australia is seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander speech pathologist to join us as our National First Nations Lead for a six-month parental leave cover period.

This is an important national role providing culturally informed leadership and advice across the Association’s work. You will work closely with our National Advisors and other teams to maintain momentum on key First Nations initiatives, relationships and projects while our substantive National First Nations Lead is on parental leave.

About the role

Working up to three days per week, you will have a key focus on facilitating our Student Mentoring Program as part of the Student Engagement Strategy, while contributing your expertise across a range of First Nations initiatives.

The role will also:

- support implementation of Speech Pathology Australia’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and development of subsequent RAPs
- co-chair the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
- provide culturally informed advice to support culturally responsive and safe practice
- support and moderate the Yumi Yarn Community of Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members
- support non-Indigenous members working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- build and maintain relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and other stakeholders nationally
- contribute to relevant policy, advocacy and government-relations activities
- provide advice and resources to members and SPA staff on relevant cultural matters.

About you

You will:

- identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- be a qualified speech pathologist




- have demonstrated expertise and a strong interest in Reconciliation and culturally protected services within health and/or education
- bring a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, health equity and the social determinants of health
- have demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders
- bring excellent communication, relationship-building, analytical and problem-solving skills

Experience working in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander settings, strong community networks and exposure to policy, advocacy or government relations will be highly regarded.

The details

Employment: Six-month fixed-term parental leave cover

Hours: Up to three days per week

Location: Flexible, anywhere in Australia. Regular attendance at our Melbourne office is desirable.

Travel: Some travel may be required

Identified position

This is an identified position for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is a genuine requirement of the role.

This position is a special measure under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission recognises special measures as actions designed to promote substantive equality for disadvantaged groups, including measures involving Aboriginal employment.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the requirements of the position via the SEEK application portal/Quick Apply.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the advertised closing date.

If you have any questions regarding this role, or would like a copy of the position description, please email [email protected] and speak with our People and Culture team.

📌 National First Nations Lead_ Parental Leave Cover (Melbourne)
🏢 Speech Pathology Australia
📍 Melbourne