14/04/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15sPryCpy6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
We’ve made progress, but there’s more to do.
From March 2026, people under 25 with stuttering, speech sound disorders, or cleft lip ± palate will have Medicare-funded access to 8 assessments and 20 treatment sessions. This win follows SPA's advocacy and is supported by a federal Budget allocation of $74.9 million over four years and $29.1 million annually.
This will benefit up to 385,000 people, improving access to critical speech pathology services.
But our work isn’t done. With the federal election on 3 May, help us to push for:
🔹Expanded Medicare access for all with communication and swallowing needs via the allied health chronic disease management items (12 sessions minimum), and raising rebates to at least match inflation.
🔹 Speech pathologists in early childhood education and care centres in areas of highest socioeconomic need to support early intervention and reduce access barriers.
🔹 A stronger speech pathology workforce – recruitment and retention measures to ensure continued access to care.
Use our letter templates to contact your local candidate: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/2025FederalElection