Established in 1949, SPA began as the Australian College of Speech Therapists, set up to regulate and maintain the qualifications and standards of the profession.
[6] She then spent three months observing at the London County Council Stammering Centres before returning to Sydney in 1929 to establish the first Australian speech therapy service.
[7] Appointed in an honorary capacity at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children at Camperdown, Sydney (now located at Westmead) on the recommendation of surgeon (and later president of the hospital) Sir Robert Wade[8] in 1931, Wray voluntarily conducted three clinics weekly for the next seven years, initially working with Sir Robert's cleft palate patients.
Speech Pathology Australia has the further important role of accrediting university programs that offer training courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
All entry level degree programs in Australia, whether undergraduate or post graduate, are assessed to the same CBOS 2011 standards in the accreditation process.
[16] Since 2003, Speech Pathology Australia annually awards three Australian authors the "Best Book for Language and Literacy Development" in the following categories: Each award is based on the book's appeal to children, interactive quality and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in communication and literacy development.
[17] The society publishes a number of journals:[18] And a professional magazine for speech pathologists: Notable members include: