Speech Pathology Australia - Code of Ethics 2020 - Using the Code and Ethical Practice Standards

Sep 15, 2026

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Speech Pathology Australia’s Code of Ethics (2020) sets the ethical foundation for speech pathologists’ everyday professional practice. It guides members to deliver quality, culturally responsive assessment and intervention while recognising human rights and diverse contexts. The Code explains how to use and renew ethical commitments, how to identify and respond to possible breaches, and how values and principles translate into ethical practice standards. It aligns with relevant legislation, policies, and professional standards, including reconciliation priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Using this Code of Ethics

Identification of a breach of the Code of Ethics

Model of speech pathology ethical practice

Ethical values

Ethical principles

Ethical practice standards

Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics 2020 Introduction Speech pathologists provide quality, efficient and effective services. It is fundamental to the professional responsibilities of speech pathologists that we observe the highest standards of ethical practice. The Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics guides and informs our everyday professional practice and should be used by Speech Pathology Australia Members in a proactive manner. Speech pathologists support individuals to maximise their communication and swallowing functions to optimise their quality of life. We achieve this through effective, culturally responsive assessment and diagnosis, intervention, collaboration, advocacy, community education, and research processes. When undertaking this work, we do so with an awareness of the broader context of human rights of the individual. We consider the diverse context of individuals and/or communities, as identified in the World Health Organization’s ‘International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF)’(2001) . The Code of Ethics must be considered along with relevant legislation, Speech Pathology Australia policies and professional standards. The Code of Ethics aligns with Speech Pathology Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan that recognises, values, and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, knowledges, ways of healing, languages and connections to and custodianship of lands, waterways, and seas. Using this Code of Ethics This Code of Ethics binds each member of Speech Pathology Australia. As a result, it contributes to responsible speech pathology practice and an ethical speech pathology community. Members of Speech Pathology Australia make a commitment to read, understand and comply with this Code of Ethics within all professional interactions. This commitment is renewed annually through the membership process of Speech Pathology Australia . Speech Pathology Australia-Code of Ethics 2020 2 To ensure our knowledge is current and we continue to meet our professional responsibility to know and understand the Code of Ethics, we will: • read and comply with the Code of Ethics; • understand and comply with Speech Pathology Australia policies, and utilise resources available; • discuss the Code of Ethics with colleagues through case discussions, critique of articles and position papers, and reflection on our own practice; • participate in continuing professional development opportunities related to the Code of Ethics and to ethical practice; and • access, complete and reflect upon Speech Pathology Australia’s Ethics Education Resources. Identification of a breach of the Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics is the basis for identification of a possible breach of ethics or professional conduct. It forms the basis for the decisions of Speech Pathology Australia’s Ethics Board. If a speech pathologist identifies a possible breach, these actions should be undertaken; • consult the Code of Ethics, and any supporting documentation, policies and position statements, to determine if our concerns are reflected in the values, principles and standards for ethical practice; • discuss our concerns with our colleague in a respectful, professional, objective and empathic manner; then • contact Speech Pathology Australia for advice. If a member of the public identifies a possible breach, they should contact Speech Pathology Australia for advice. Speech Pathology Australia-Code of Ethics 2020 3 Model of speech pathology ethical practice Our values and principles guide how we make decisions and conduct ourselves as speech pathologists. Ethical values Ethical values underpin our interactions. These values drive and inform how we behave. Respect and dignity We promote a professional culture which embodies kindness through taking time to value, listen, and show compassion to others. In our professional work, we provide person-and relati

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics (2020)?

It guides and informs daily professional practice and underpins responsible speech pathology conduct by defining ethical responsibilities, values, and standards.

How should members respond if they identify a possible breach of the Code?

They should consult the Code and supporting documentation to check whether concerns align with ethical values, discuss concerns respectfully with a colleague, and contact Speech Pathology Australia for advice.

What ethical principles must guide everyday speech pathology decision-making?

The Code states that autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, truth and veracity, and justice and fairness have equal value and are inter-related.

Sep 15, 2026

Upload by Riley