speech writer nz

Effective communications that deliver results

"Thanks to Sue's expert guidance, I had a speech that I could confidently deliver at my big event. She helped me to establish the appropriate tone of voice for the occasion and was refreshingly frank with me if I went off track. It was a fascinating and educative process."

Richard Seton (special event speech)

John Bishop Writer, presenter, adviser

Speech writer.

This a selection of John’s recent work. All his travel stories are published at:

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Speech Writer

I enjoy writing speeches – it’s not to everyone’s taste – but I enjoy the challenge of finding the words that match the message, the audience, the occasion, and most importantly the style of the person delivering the words.

I write speeches that I would be proud to deliver myself. I craft them so the person delivering the speech is confident that the speech, properly delivered, will work.

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Speech Writing

Course code.

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

Course planning information

General progression requirements, learning outcomes.

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

• 1 Evaluate the stylistic and structural features of 20th and 21st century speeches.
• 2 Classify examples of rhetorical devices, and create and refine original ones.
• 3 Harmonise the sounds of words into aurally appealing written sequences that exemplify the sound-driven nature of speech writing.
• 4 Analyse speech patterns, and use your analysis to adapt your writing to people for whom you are writing.
• 5 Develop a mastery of techniques to employ ethos, pathos and logos, and apply these in your writing.
• 6 Critically evaluate the influences of speech writers on politics and social movements, and as providers of models of rhetorical excellence.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Textbooks needed.

There are no set texts for this course.

Course delivery details

No offerings available, get more information.

Ask an Academic Adviser for more information about this course.

Enrol in this course

You can enrol to study this course in the student portal if you have already been accepted to study at Massey. New students need to apply for admission to a qualification first.

If you want to study a course without completing a qualification, you can apply for a Certificate of Proficiency .

Useful planning information

• Find more courses or qualifications
• Planning your study
• Application process overview
• Semester dates
• Fees and funding
• Scholarships and awards search
• International students’ information

Speech Writer

Generate a compelling speech for any occasion

Get access to more features by upgrading your plan.

• Superior performance
• More customization options
• Faster generation

Get the power of AI on your side to help you create the perfect copy

With AI's help, you can create copy that is perfectly tailored to your audience and your message, so you can stay ahead of the competition.

It's easy to get started

Speech Writer Templates & Examples

Thank you for my family, teachers.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I stand before you filled with immense gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. Graduation is not just a milestone in our lives, but a testament to the hard work and dedication we have put into our education. And on this special day, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere thanks to two groups of people who have played an instrumental role in shaping me into the person I am today - my family and my teachers.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest appreciation to my family. They have been my pillars of support throughout this incredible journey. Their unwavering belief in me, their constant encouragement, and their unconditional love have been the driving force behind my success. They have celebrated my achievements, picked me up during moments of failure, and reminded me that perseverance is key. To my parents, siblings, and extended family, I say thank you for always being there, for believing in me when I doubted myself, and for inspiring me to reach for the stars.

Next, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers who have guided me along the way. From the very beginning, they have been there, shaping my intellect, nurturing my curiosity, and instilling in me the passion for learning. Their dedication, patience, and willingness to go the extra mile have had a profound impact on my growth as a student and as an individual. They have not only imparted knowledge, but also taught me valuable life lessons that I will carry with me forever. To my teachers, past and present, I want to say thank you for your unwavering commitment to education, for believing in my potential, and for pushing me to strive for greatness.

As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, let us not forget that our achievements are not solely our own. They are a reflection of the support and guidance we have received from our families and teachers. Graduation is a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from a collective effort. We stand here not as individuals, but as a community that has come together to celebrate our accomplishments.

In closing, I would like to share a quote that has resonated with me throughout my educational journey. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Today, as we celebrate our graduation, let us hold onto the beauty of our dreams and the belief that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. To my family and teachers, I am forever grateful for your support and guidance. Without you, this journey would not have been possible. Thank you.

Congratulations to the class of [year]! Let us go forth and make a difference in the world!

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow graduates, and my dear family and teachers,

Today is a remarkable day for all of us as we gather here to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge. Graduation - a word that holds immense significance and symbolizes not just the completion of a degree, but the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my family who has been my unwavering pillar of support throughout this incredible journey. Mom, Dad, your love, encouragement, and sacrifices have been the driving force behind my achievements. Your unconditional belief in me has given me the confidence to face any challenge that comes my way. I owe everything I have achieved today to your unwavering support and boundless love. Thank you for always being there for me.

To my teachers, mentors, and professors, I am truly indebted to you for the knowledge, guidance, and passion you have imparted to me. You have not only equipped me with the necessary tools to succeed academically but also instilled in me a thirst for lifelong learning. Your dedication, patience, and belief in our potential have inspired us to push the boundaries of our capabilities and become the best versions of ourselves. Your tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on our lives, and we will forever be grateful for your commitment to our education.

Today is not just about the end of our academic journey; it is also a celebration of the friendships we have forged, the memories we have created, and the valuable life lessons we have learned along the way. We have become a close-knit community, supporting and uplifting each other during the challenging times and celebrating each other's successes. These bonds we have formed extend beyond the confines of the classroom, and I am truly honored to have shared this incredible journey with all of you.

As we embark on the next phase of our lives, let us remember that the lessons we have learned within these walls go far beyond textbooks and exams. We have learned the importance of perseverance, resilience, and adaptability. We have learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success, and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Armed with these invaluable lessons, I have no doubt that we will navigate the ever-changing landscape of life with confidence, determination, and a hunger for excellence.

But let us not forget the responsibility that comes with the privilege of education. We have been equipped with knowledge and skills that have the power to shape the world for the better. It is our duty to use our education to contribute meaningfully to society, to uplift those around us, and to strive for a future where equality, justice, and compassion reign.

In conclusion, I stand here today, humbled and filled with gratitude, for all the incredible individuals who have touched my life and have helped me reach this pivotal moment. Thank you to my family, my teachers, and my fellow graduates for being the driving force behind my success. I am excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of us, and I am confident that we will continue to make a positive impact in the world.

Congratulations, Class of [year]. We did it!

Distinguished guests, beloved family members, respected teachers,

Today, as we stand here on the precipice of our future, on this momentous day of graduation, I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the unwavering support of our families, and for the tireless dedication of our educators. It is with deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks that I address you all today.

To our families, who have stood by our sides through thick and thin, we owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. You were our pillars of strength when we faltered, our guiding lights through the darkest of times, and our unwavering cheerleaders through our countless triumphs. Your love, sacrifice, and belief in us have been the foundation upon which we have built our dreams. And for that, we say thank you.

To our teachers, who have poured their knowledge, wisdom, and passion into our minds and hearts, we are forever indebted to you. You have been more than just educators; you have been mentors, confidants, and role models. You have challenged us to think critically, inspired us to reach for the stars, and nurtured our passions and talents. Your unwavering commitment to our education has shaped us into the capable individuals we are today. And for that, we say thank you.

Today, as we embark on the next chapter of our lives, we do so with an abundance of gratitude in our hearts. Gratitude for the love, guidance, and opportunities that have been bestowed upon us. Gratitude for the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the memories created in our time here. And gratitude for the immense privilege it has been to be part of such an incredible institution and community.

As we walk across this stage, let us carry with us the lessons of gratitude and appreciation. Let us remember the shoulders upon which we stand, the dreams that have been nurtured, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Let us strive to make a difference in the world, guided by the values instilled in us by our families and teachers.

To our families, to our teachers, and to everyone who has played a role in our journey thus far, we say thank you. Thank you for believing in us, for challenging us, and for pushing us to reach beyond our perceived limitations. Thank you for shaping us into the confident, capable individuals we are today.

In closing, let us remember that graduation is not an endpoint, but a beginning. Let us approach the future with gratitude in our hearts and a determination to make a difference. And let us never forget the countless individuals who have helped us reach this momentous day.

Thank you, and congratulations to the graduating class of [year].

Frequently asked questions

The Speech Writer Generator is an AI-powered tool that helps you create compelling and well-structured speeches. By providing key details about your speech, such as the topic, audience, tone, and length, the generator crafts a tailored speech that effectively communicates your message.

To use the Speech Writer Generator, simply input the necessary information about your speech, including the main topic, target audience, desired tone (e.g., informative, persuasive, inspirational), and preferred length. The AI algorithm then analyzes this data and generates a speech that meets your specified criteria.

Yes, you have the flexibility to edit and refine the AI-generated speech. The Speech Writer Generator provides a solid foundation, but you can make adjustments to personalize the content, add specific examples or anecdotes, and ensure it aligns perfectly with your unique style and objectives.

The Speech Writer Generator is designed to accommodate a wide range of speech types, including informative speeches, persuasive speeches, motivational speeches, and more. Whether you need a speech for a business conference, wedding, graduation ceremony, or political event, the generator can adapt to your requirements.

The Speech Writer Generator can create a speech within seconds, depending on the length and complexity of the content. This rapid generation process allows you to quickly obtain a draft that you can then review and refine as needed, saving you valuable time and effort in the speech writing process.

Yes, the Speech Writer Generator allows you to save your generated speeches securely. You can easily access, edit, and manage your saved speeches at any time, ensuring that you can work on them whenever it's convenient for you.

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Specialist stuttering and literacy support

Who we are 

Skill Builders Speech Language Therapy is a professional and friendly speech language therapy clinic in Auckland, New Zealand.  It provides specialist stuttering intervention for children, teenagers, and adults who stutter and individualised literacy instruction for students with reading and writing difficulties. Services to children with broader speech and language difficulties are also provided as Skill Builders aims to build effective communication skills in people all of ages to ensure that they fulfil their social, education, emotional and vocational potential. 

Areas of specialty

Skill Builders work with clients who have:

Stuttering and related fluency disorders (for example cluttering or atypical disfluency)

Speech sound disorders

Difficulties in understanding and using spoken language

Pre-literacy difficulties

Reading and writing difficulties

Specific learning difficulties (for example Dyslexia and Dysgraphia)

For pre-school stuttering therapy, Voon was the first speech-language therapist in New Zealand trained in 3 different evidence-based therapy approaches: 1) Palin Parent Child Interaction Therapy (Palin PCI), 2) RESTART Demands & Capacities Model treatment (RESTART-DCM), and the 3) Lidcombe Program. He is experienced in integrating “less direct” therapy with “more direct” therapy to optimise outcomes for pre-schoolers who stutter. For adult stuttering therapy, Voon was the first speech-language therapist in New Zealand trained in Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) and integrates this with cognitive approaches to address the underlying fear and avoidance behaviours associated with stuttering. Therapy for school-aged children and teenagers who stutter is orientated towards empowering young people to have choices in how they want to speak, increasing one’s confidence and comfort in identifying as an individual who stutters, and creating support networks to reduce the burden of “masking” or “concealment”.

For reading and writing difficulties, Voon is trained in Sounds-Write (structured synthetic phonics), Talk For Writing, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Intervention, and the Clever Kids program by trainers from the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation of Western Australia. He has also attended other professional development events by Jenny Baker, Lyn Stone, the late William Van Cleave, and the clinical and research team at Macquarie University Reading Clinic. Voon was the first speech-language therapist in New Zealand to be trained in the Clever Kids program in 2022. Voon, alongside his speech-language therapist colleague Liz Gibson, coordinates a Clever Kids Camp for 8-13 year old students with dyslexia. He is particularly interested in building dyslexic students up through literacy instruction as well as incorporating cognitive approaches to reduce and undo feelings of shame after prolonged periods of reading and spelling “failure” at school.

About Voon Pang

Voon has worked as a speech language therapist since 2007. He enjoys working with people who stutter and people with speech and literacy related difficulties. When he is not at Skill Builders Speech Language Therapy, he dedicates his time volunteering for the Stuttering Association for the Young Australia (SAY: Australia) during their summer camp, baking sweet treats at home, and walking his greyhound. Voon also works for the Ministry of Education as a speech-language therapist servicing different parts of Auckland. His previous posts include working at the Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (2011-2019) and introducing comprehensive therapy approaches to be less “fluency-focused” and as a Clinical Educator at the University of Auckland (2019-2022) supervising 1st year Masters students. His passion is to help people become the best communicator they can be as well as standing tall and being proud of their individuality.

Voon continues to attend professional development workshops and conferences annually to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the stuttering and literacy world. He is a registered member of the New Zealand’s Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA), Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), World Stuttering and Cluttering Organisation (WSCO) and Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation (DSF) of Western Australia.

If you have any questions about your child or would like to

Book an appointment.

+64221637875 – [email protected]

Difficulties Attending & Following Instructions?

Kōkako Speech Therapy can help you!

Struggles With Literacy & Writing?

Unclear Speech? Late Talker?

Our philosophy.

Our name stems from kōkako who gave Māui water as he fought the sun by filling its plump wattles with water and offering it to Māui to quench his thirst. Māui rewarded kōkako for its kindness by stretching its legs until they were lean, long and robust. So that kōkako could easily leap through the forest to find food. At kōkako, we believe in kindness and growing each individual to their full potential and reaching greater heights.

Who’s Mandana

Mandana is a Senior Speech & Language Therapist with over 24 years of experience in different countries. She has worked in Iran, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand, with a wide range of speech, language, voice, fluency, articulation delays and disorders. As a Speech Therapist in a Special Needs School, She has a lot of experience working with school-age and young people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neurological Disorders as well as complex needs. She believes in working collaboratively with the individual, their whānau and other agencies to ensure the therapy is fun, functional, and achievable across all settings. She is a Communication Assisted Technology (CAT L1) accredited and Lego Therapist too. She lives with her adventurous husband and talented 6-year-old son in Rotorua. Mandana began her private practice “Kōkako Speech Therapy” to ensure that the local Rotoruaian citizens have access to a private and evidenced-based Speech & Language Therapy Service. She is a fully registered member of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association.

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Kia ora! Welcome to Making Connections

I’m Sarah and I am a Speech and Language Therapist based in Christchurch, with over a decades experience supporting children and adults with their communication. I am passionate about supporting people to improve their commjunication, build confidence and make lasting connections.

Let’s work together - tap below to find out more about me and how I can help with your communication needs.

Speech-Therapy that works for you

We understand that everyone has unique needs when it comes to Speech Therapy. That’s why we offer a variety of options for our sessions. Whether you prefer the comfort of your own home, the convenience of a clinic space in Bishopdale, Christchurch, or the flexibility of online sessions - we have you covered. We are here to help you achieve your communication goals, no matter where you are.

“Sarah was so supportive and she is great at her job. It was a pleasure to deal with her and to see the progress our son made.”

—Parent of a preschooler

In-Person Speech and Language Therapy

We offer a convenient clinic space in Bishopdale, Christchurch, for in-person sessions. We can also provide sessions at your preferred location, whether it's your home, school, or within the community.

Online/Telehealth Speech and Language Therapy

We use online Speech Therapy/Telehealth as a flexible tool for individuals to schedule their speech therapy sessions around their busy lives. If you live outside of Christchurch, Telehealth is also a great option to access our services. We see clients online across New Zealand and Australia.

Communication Systems and Devices (AAC) Assessment and Therapy

Looking to explore communication systems and devices (AAC)? Look no further! We are accredited to conduct assessments for funding purposes, helping you access AAC devices and low-tech tools. We also provide comprehensive support on how to effectively use these tools to enhance communication.

Supervision and Mentoring

We are able to provide guidance and mentorship for Speech Therapists who are seeking supervision. Our approach is supportive and based on evidence. We specialize in various areas including pediatrics, complex needs, AAC, fluency, speech, language, and adults with developmental conditions.

Book a free chat to talk about our services.

Join our mailing list.

Sign up to receive tips to support Speech and Language Development and be the first to know about our upcoming courses.

We respect your privacy.

Contact us.

[email protected]

(022 453 0240)

Appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Bishopdale, Christchurch, New Zealand.

For referrals or more information email [email protected]

  or  call 0274 756 396

Adult speech & language links and resources

Adult speech and language terminology :

Aphasia (ay-faze-yuh): a language disorder which can affect speaking, writing, understanding spoken language or reading. (Also known as dysphasia in some parts of the world. In New Zealand the umbrella term aphasia is used most widely).

Apraxia (a-prax-see-ya): a motor speech disorder causing difficulties controlling and coordinating the muscles used for speech.

Dysarthria (dis-ar-three-ya): a motor speech disorder causing slurred, slowed or unclear speech caused by muscle weakness.

Dysphagia (dis-fay-ja): a medical term for swallowing difficulties causing choking, coughing, regurgitation or malnutrition.

Links to New Zealand organisations for adults:

Aphasia New Zealand - Giving a voice to people with aphasia, support services, information, advocacy and advice for anyone affected by aphasia in NZ

Stroke Foundation Midlands - Support and assistance for you and your family following stroke

Parkinson's NZ - Support, education and information for NZers living with Parkinson's, their families and carers

Motor Neurone Disease NZ - Help and support for people with MND and their carers

Hopeworks Foundation - Changing the way the public, private and medical sectors view disabliity and the ways they communicate

Carers NZ  - Information, advice, learning and support for carers in NZ

Independent Learning Services  - makes daily living easier for people with impairments, assistive products and information

Alzheimers New Zealand  - Information, support and education for those affected by dementia and their loved ones across NZ

Links to information and advice:

Dysphagia - Having difficulty swallowing pills? Read this (click on blue text below to follow link): 

Tips for swallowing pills

Stroke therapy - Wondering when is the best time for stroke rehab? Read this (click on blue text below):

Timely therapy can increase your chance for a better recovery

Aphasia - Watch this video about Australian woman, Rachel's experience of aphasia and recovery (click on blue text below):

Rachel's story

Child speech & language resources and links

Terminology for child speech & language:

Articulation - how speech sounds are produced by the coordination of the articulators (teeth, lips, tongue, palate). E.g. to produce a "f' sound we use the the teeth and lips together.

Phonology - how speech sounds are used in language. E.g. how sounds are put together to make words

Phonological processes - how children simplify sound patterns while they are young and developing their speech sound system. E.g. a young child may say "goggie" instead of "doggie", or "ta" for "car", until they have mastered the correct sounds. These processes are a natural part of speech development. 

Phonological delay - when a child continues to use the simplified version of a sound beyond the typical ages of use

Phonological awareness - the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds in a language. It is a fundamental building block of literacy/learning to read. E.g. recognising when words rhyme, being able to count syllables in a word, recognising when words start with the same sound.

​Links to resources and websites for child speech & language (click the blue text to go website):

Ministry of Education - Communication Service fact sheet

Does your child need speech therapy? - Kidspot information regarding warning signs and guidance for parents

New Zealand Speech Language Therapy Association (NZSTA) - New Zealand's Speech Langauge Therapy professional body. This website provides information regarding speech, language and hearing development and other resources (e.g to find a therapist) for parents, carers and whanau. 

Communciation milestones - A wealth of resources regarding milestones and speech langauge  therapy for your child from Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).

Speech Central - Top 4 Tips for encouraging toddler speech and language  click and download for free

Links to articles and videos:

Wondering how to maximise your child's language learning? Click the link to find out

        Your toddler learns 8 new words a day - here's how to maximise that

        Feeding your baby's brain (Brainwave Trust)

        Conversation feeds the brain (research shows benefits 10 years later!)

Reading is not only vital for great language learning but is also linked to relationship building and family happiness! Find out more by clicking the blue links below for all the reasons reading is so important:

        ​ Reading is fundamental for family happiness

        Why reading the same story over and over is important

Bored of reading Llama llama? try rapping it next time. Watch the video below for some inspo:

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Speech-Language Therapist

Kaihaumanu reo ā-waha.

Alternative titles for Speech-Language Therapist - About the job:

• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Speech Therapist
• Speech and Language Therapist

Speech-language therapists assess and treat people who have problems with verbal communication or swallowing. This may include difficulties with speech, language, listening, reading or writing.

Speech-language therapists usually earn

$55K-$119K per year

Source: Te Whatu Ora/DHBs and NZEI, 2022 - 2025.

Job opportunities

Length of training

4-5 years of training required.

Vocational Pathways More

• Social and community services

About the job

Pay for speech-language therapists varies depending on experience and where they work. 

Speech-language therapists working for Te Whatu Ora Health NZ (former DHBs) 

• Speech-language therapists usually earn $58,000 to $86,000 a year.
• Senior speech-language therapists who supervise staff can earn $87,000 to $119,000.

Speech-language therapists working in schools

• Speech-language therapists working as interns usually earn $55,00 a year. In April 2024 this will rise to $57,000 a year.
• Speech-language therapists can earn $68,000 to $115,000 a year. In April 2024 this will rise to $70,000 to $118,000 a year.

Sources: Auckland Region District Health Boards/PSA, ‘Allied, Public Health, Scientific & Technical Multi Employer Collective Agreement, expires 30 June 2023’, District Health Boards/PSA, ‘Allied, Public Health, Scientific & Technical Multi Employer Collective Agreement, expires 30 June 2023’, 2022; and NZEI, 'Ministry of Education and NZEI Te Riu Roa Collective Agreement for Field Staff from 2023 - 2025'.

• NZEI website 'Ministry of Education and NZEI Te Riu Roa Collective Agreement for Field Staff from 2023 - 2025  (PDF -778 KB) 
• PAYE.net.nz website - use this calculator to convert pay and salary information  

(This information is a guide only.  Find out more about the sources of our pay information )

What you will do

Speech-language therapists may do some or all of the following:

• assess and diagnose communication problems such as stuttering
• co-ordinate and plan treatments
• help clients learn to speak, listen, read or write
• lead group therapy sessions
• help children and adults learn to swallow and eat
• report on their clients
• educate and advise clients and their families.

Skills and knowledge

Speech-language therapists need to have knowledge of:

• English or other languages
• how the brain, mouth, throat and voice box function
• medical conditions that can affect speech
• psychology and education theory, and child development and health
• community and family support services, and where to refer their clients.

Working conditions

Speech-language therapists:

• usually work regular business hours, but may also work evenings
• work in therapy clinics or at locations such as schools, rest homes and hospitals.

What's the job really like?

Speech-language therapist video.

Brynlea Collin Stone talks about her job as a speech-language therapist - 2.05 mins

How to enter the job

Entry requirements.

To become a speech-language therapist you need to have one of the following: 

• Bachelor's degree in speech and language pathology (Hons)
• Bachelor's degree in speech and language therapy (Hons)
• Master's degree in speech and language pathology 
• Master's degree in speech-language therapy practice.
• Vulnerable Children Act

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can’t be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children. 

• Ministry of Justice website - Vulnerable Children Act requirements

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, English, languages and te reo Māori.

Personal requirements

Speech-language therapists need to be:

• patient and supportive
• able to put people at ease
• good communicators
• able to relate to people of all ages, and from a range of cultures and backgrounds.

Useful experience

Work with young children is useful experience.

Registration

Registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association (NZSTA) is recommended. NZSTA provides Annual Practising Certificates for members.

• New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association website - information about registration

Find out more about training

What are the chances of getting a job.

Newly qualified speech-language therapists usually find work within a year of finishing study.

Experienced speech-language therapists have a good chance of finding work.

Fixed-term speech-language therapy work is often available.

According to the Census, 942 speech-language therapists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Demand for speech-language therapists steady

Demand for speech-language therapists is steady because:

• New Zealand's ageing population means that speech-language therapists are needed to help older patients, such as stroke victims, to recover speech and language functions
• more private practices are opening to help school children and new entrants who cannot be treated through the public health service.

Speech-language therapist appears on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled  speech-language therapists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Most speech-language therapists employed by government agencies

Most speech-language therapists work for the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Health. Other employers include:

• private speech-language therapy practices
• charitable trusts
• universities
• Collinstone, B, speech-language therapist, Careers New Zealand interview, November 2016.
• Immigration New Zealand, Green List, April 2023, (www.immigration.govt.nz).
• NZ Speech-language Therapists' Association website, accessed November 2020, (www.speechtherapy.org.nz).
• NZ Speech-language Therapists' Association, 'How to Become an SLT?', accessed November 2020, (www.speechtherapy.org.nz).
• Rotherham, A, president, NZ Speech-language Therapists' Association, careers.govt.nz interview, 20 November 2020.
• Sayers, T, 'NZ Special-Needs Education at 'Crisis Point' ', 30 September 2016, (www.stuff.co.nz).
• Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information )

Progression and specialisations

Speech-language therapists may progress to work in managerial or research roles. They may also move between work in the education and health industries.

Speech-language therapists may specialise in a field of work, or work with particular groups of people such as:

• children (paediatrics)
• the elderly
• children and adults who have physical disorders such as difficulties swallowing, or cleft lips or palates.

Speech-language therapists need to be able to relate to a wide variety of people

Related jobs:

Audiologist/audiometrist kaimātai ororongo/kaimātau ororongo.

Audiologists and audiometrists study, identify, measure and treat hearing loss and ear disorders. They also provide aids and other listening devices to assist patients with hearing loss.

Dietitian Pūkenga Whakaita Kai (Ngā Tohunga Mātai Kai)

Dietitians provide advice and counselling about diet, food and nutrition to individuals and communities. They also design nutrition programmes to support health and wellbeing.

Occupational Therapist Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau

Occupational therapists provide therapy and support to people with limited ability to carry out everyday activities because of illness, injury or disability. 

Physiotherapist Kairomiromi

Physiotherapists help people regain movement and function after they have been affected by an injury, disability or health condition. They also give advice on how to prevent injuries.

Related courses:

Speech pathology, job vacancy websites:, view a list of job vacancy and recruitment websites.

Last updated 12 December 2023

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• Workshops For Teachers
• Reading and Writing Services

Speech Language Therapy, Based Online and in New Plymouth New Zealand

Meet the Speech Therapist

My name is Beth and I am a Speech Language Therapist who works primarily with children and teens to support their speech, and language skills. I am also an advocate for structured literacy and spend a significant portion of my time providing up-to-date evidence based tutoring for reading, writing and spelling. 

I consider myself extremely privileged to be able to do the work that I do, and have a genuine love for working with children and young adults. Providing high quality therapy services that align with current research is important to me, and am a frequent flyer at professional development events. My therapy sessions are highly functional and also really fun. Both aspects are important in supporting my clients in achieving their goals – kids don’t learn when they are bored!

I also work part-time as an illustrator and author of learning materials for speech, language, and literacy development, which I use frequently in my practice. 

Read more…

Testimonials

Beth formed a good working relationship with my 8 year old daughter right away. She found the perfect balance of fun and hard work, which allowed my daughter to take on the learning. I could see an increase in confidence and ability almost immediately and Beth continued regular assessment in order identify exactly what my daughter needed. The structure and clear approach was much appreciated as a parent as well.

Beth has been wonderful for our 13 year old, Dyslexic boy! She worked with him on his spelling using the Sounds Write Programme. We have seen great progress here to the point where he no longer needs to work with Beth on this. Beth has also worked on writing with my boy. His written output has increased markedly and his ability to put his ideas to paper, improved exponentially. Beth has a lovely manner that puts everyone at ease. We have found her to be a real professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!

Beth has done an awesome job with Yusuf. Yusuf would look forward to see Beth every Thursday it was the highlight of his week. He would countdown the days. Beth made the sessions fun and enjoyable which helped him through the learning process.  She has the best learning resources to help with the at home activities.  I would recommend her to any one who needs assistance in speech development.

We could not recommend Beth more, such a wonderful speech teacher! Beth instantly connected with our 6 year old daughter, encouraging her to engage and focus on her speech techniques – both during the sessions and after – in a way we had not seen with other therapists. Within 6 months we have experienced a strong improvement in our daughter’s speech which has been such a source of pride and confidence for her. Our daughter loved the sessions and Beth has left such a positive, ongoing mark on her life. The lessons are now over, but Beth, Ash will miss you! Thank you again!

Amazing results for my 4 year old from seeing Beth regularly once a week. Makes the sessions fun with games and rewards. My daughter was always very excited to go to her speech therapy which made things so much easier!

My daughter saw Beth over a few weeks for a mild lisp Her connection with Beth was immediate and she really looked forward to the sessions and had fun while learning. The improvement in my daughters speech has been great and we have plenty of exercises to carry on with at home.

Beth worked with my 6 year-old son over 2 terms, working on his pronunciation difficulties with several letter sounds. Beth connected with him very easily with her fun and friendly approach, so he was always happy to go to lessons.

Beth showed true skill in keeping a balance of task focus and fun in the lessons. She used a wide range of tools and games, which kept things varied and interesting and ensured my son’s new speech skill were widely applied and practised. The homework tasks she set for us made it easy to integrate new skills into everyday speech at home.

I would strongly recommend Beth to anyone looking for a professional and effective speech therapist to support their child.

Beth has been fantastic, working with my son and his speech and communication difficulties being on the spectrum. She is positive, approachable and capable of getting the best out of your child and my son has certainly grown up into a confident, energetic boy who loves to learn.

Beth has been working with our eight year old son who has Down Syndrome for several school terms. He has made great progress over that time, in both his verbal communication skills and comprehension. We really appreciate the fact that Beth runs her sessions at his school, as this enables his teacher aide to be involved and to work on the activities and exercises Beth sets during the school week. Beth also communicates directly with me so that I can work towards his goals at home. I highly recommend Beyond Words.

Beth is an awesome speech therapist, very professional, and really knows how to handle children. My child learnt so much from her, and became more confident after the therapy sessions.

We were referred to Beth for our two year old who was having language difficulties. Beth took the time to listen to us, examine Kingston’s language and put together training, and programs for us to follow as a family. She knew early on we were researchers, so always gave us a ton of information & material which we have been able to put into practice. Beth has a calm, and lovely demeanour which assisted in the process greatly as Kingston was able to warm to her, and speak with her as he would us. We saw a noticeable improvement in Kingston’s lanuage, and more importantly we have a plan to increase his language and someone who we can check in with moving forward. I cannot recommend Beth enough.

Elizabeth has been working with our five year old for a term and we’ve been impressed and delighted with the progress he is making, both in terms of the clarity of his words and his willingness to use fuller sentences. Elizabeth’s manner is a wonderful balance of firm, gentle, persistent, and incredibly adaptable. She is intuitive as well as skilled and knowledgeable. She sets realistic goals for us to work on at home and school, and gives prompt and helpful answers to any questions we have. We thoroughly recommend Elizabeth!

Beth has spent a term working with my seven year old son Jacob who has loved every lesson he has attended. Beth employs imaginative and creative teaching methods which engage Jacob and make learning fun. We have seen amazing results working with Beth. Jacob’s pronunciation of those difficult sounds has improved greatly and he now often self corrects.
I highly recommend Beth as a speech therapist.

I have been so impressed with Beth who has been teaching my two year old, who is autistic, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She is professional, patient and understanding. My daughter, who is prone to being unpredictable with strangers, has taken to Beth very quickly and is progressing really well under her excellent guidance.

My five year old daughter was struggling with pronouncing some sounds and this was affecting her confidence at school. Her teacher referred me to Beth. She has spent a term with Beth working on these sounds and we are overjoyed with the progress she has made and the confidence she has gained! Beth is very good at making the sessions fun which in turn had my daughter wanting to come back every session, she didn’t even realise she was working!!! Beth made the sessions very family friendly, I was able to bring my four year old and six month old to the sessions which helped immensely as I do not have any family nearby to babysit. Beth I cannot thank you enough!

Speech Therapy Services

Click here  for more information about services.

Assessment of Communication Skills

Speech, language and literacy assessment sessions usually take one hour to complete, but can take longer. Assessment may include: discussions with caregivers, informal assessment through conversation and play, or the use of formal assessments such as the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals. Reports are available on request.

Goal Setting and Planning

Caregivers are encouraged to participate as part of the team in the goal setting process. Your speech therapist will give feedback to you regarding areas of strength, and areas which require some support as per the assessment findings. From there Speech-Language Therapy goals can be selected and prioritised.

Speech and Language Therapy Sessions

Therapy sessions are tailored to each individual client. Your child's strengths and interests will be taken into account when planning sessions. Session length is determined based on your child’s age, attention, and the goals that they are working on. Because children learn best when they are interested and engaged, sessions always aim to be fun!

Beyond Words Speech Therapy and Literacy Tutoring is run out of my home clinic room in Upper Vogeltown, New Plymouth. Beyond Words is also a remote service with around half of our clients seen via Zoom. Beyond Words was originally based in Auckland, New Zealand, and continues to provide services for many families in Auckland and around New Zealand through teletherapy (Zoom based therapy).

Literacy Tutoring

Sounds write.

Beth is trained to deliver Sounds Write. Sounds Write is a high quality structured literacy program designed to support all learners with their reading and writing skills, including those who have a diagnosis of Dyslexia. Beth has also received additional training in spelling, phonics (syllable types), and phonological awareness.

Assessment (without report)

30 minute therapy session, 45 minute therapy session, 60 minute therapy session, written report (of assessment), learning resources.

What does a Speech Therapist do?

Speech-Language Therapists work with both children and adults in a variety of settings including in hospitals, and at schools. Speech-Language Therapists work with people to increase their skills in areas such as: ...

Decodable Books – What’s the Point?

Three things i wish i had been taught about spelling in school, transition to teletherapy.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Message

Elizabeth (Beth) Knowles

[email protected]

@BeyondWordsSLT

Speech and Language Therapy Service based in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

   Got Questions?

Contact Beth about your child’s development.

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Bill Shorten hired a speechwriter for $600,000 of taxpayer cash

• READ MORE: Young Aussies say country had gotten expensive and boring 

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten had a personal speechwriter on a reported $300,000 a year contract for two years, a Senate estimates hearing has been told.

The committee heard an 'experienced' and 'versatile' communications professional was awarded a $300,000 contract for a year by government agency Services Australia to write speeches for Mr Shorten, which was later extended to two years.

Services Australia deputy chief executive officer Susie Smith, who did not confirm the cost of the agreement, said the agency had not prepared any speeches for the minister 'in the last 12 months'.

Liberal senator Linda Reynolds asked why Mr Shorten, who has access to senior department staff to prepare speeches, would need a speechwriter.

'Do you know why this extra $600,000 contract was needed?' Senator Reynolds asked.

'I can't answer that,' Ms Smith replied.

Fellow Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic said it 'appears' Mr Shorten had personally requested the speechwriter despite the agency having 201 staff employed in its communications unit, including speechwriters.

She said it was 'unbelievable' after Ms Smith confirmed the usual pay packet for a speechwriter considered to be among the 'best-of-the-best' was roughly $140,000 a year.

'To your knowledge has the department ever suggested to a minister, previously, that they should go out and get a $300,000 per annum contract for a speechwriter to assist them?' Senator Kovacic asked.

'Not to my knowledge,' Ms Smith said.

'We're clearly in the wrong business,' Senator Reynolds later exclaimed.

The opposition's spokesman on government waste reduction James Stevens blasted Mr Shorten for hiring Julieanne Stewart.

He said the department's website showed Mr Shorten had given 28 speeches since assuming office in 2022.

'If Ms Stewart wrote every single one of these speeches it would equate to over $22,000 per speech,' Mr Steven Said .

'Australians struggling to pay their ever-increasing mortgages, rents, electricity bills and groceries would be appalled at their government spending their taxpayer money in this way.'

A spokesperson from Mr Shorten's office was contacted for comment.

Peter Dutton slams Labor's non-citizen military recruitment plans, Shorten grilled on claims NDIS money spent on holidays, drugs and cars — as it happened

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has been pressed in Question Time over revelations from the NDIS integrity chief that unscrupulous providers or participants attempted to use funds on items such as drugs, holidays or new cars.

Meanwhile, the ADF is eyeing off citizens of foreign nations to swell its ranks from July this year.

Look back on our blog to see how today's events unfolded. 

• 6:28 AM 6:28 AM Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 6:28am Breaking: Critical minerals company targeted in suspected cyber attack
• 6:16 AM 6:16 AM Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 6:16am How criminals manipulated NDIS participants and stole their money
• 5:29 AM 5:29 AM Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 5:29am A little bit of confusion about the ADF announcement today

To leave a comment on the blog, please log in or sign up for an ABC account.

Live updates

That's all for our coverage today.

By Courtney Gould

  What a day.

I'll be back tomorrow along with the rest of the ABC Parliament House team bright and early tomorrow morning to bring you all the action.

See you then!

Sally Sitou weighs in on Shorten speechwriter saga

Labor MP Sally Sitou is back!

Greg Jennett asks her about the news a speechwriter in Bill Shorten's office (but was contracted to Services Australia) who received a $600,000 contract over two years.

Sitou repeated much of the same lines hit by others today: it was a decision taken by Services Australia.

But she did add this:

"Would I have paid that amount for a speechwriter? No. But we're in a tight job market and this is the outcome."

Hamer 'fantastic' but Zoe McKenzie says redistribution was 'significant'

Labor's Sally Sitou and Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie are on the panel this afternoon.

But a division in the House cut the panel short and Sitou had to dash off to vote in the chamber.

Ever the professional, Greg Jennett presses on.

He asks about Josh Frydenberg flirting with the idea or returning to federal politics (despite a candidate already being preselected in his former seat of Kooyong).

That thought bubble lasted all for 30 hours before the former treasurer ruled a return out.

The saga came after the AEC proposed a redistribution that abolished Labor held Higgins and pushed voters into the surrounding electorates.

McKenzie says it was a "significant" redistribution and the Victorian division will look at whether preselection should be reopened.

She describes Amelia Hamer as a "fantastic candidate" but adds she doesn't want Frydenberg lost from public life.

"But when and how that happens, that's Josh's choice and we will see," the Liberal backbencher says.

Australia should be 'cautious' about opening up ADF ranks

Let's return quickly to the ADF's effort to recruit non-citizens.

Labor frontbencher Matt Keogh did his best to clean up the confusion about who exactly would be eligible to serve in our armed forces.

But Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie tells Afternoon Briefing he doesn't think Keogh did a good enough job.

"We want clarity," he says.

"I don't think they've cleaned this up … they shouldn't treat this as poorly as they have today."

Hastie says Australia should be "cautious" about opening up ADF ranks to over countries.

Negotiations continue over 'Greater Sunrise' gas deal

Timor-Leste is in negotiations with Australia over the possible development of the 'Greater Sunrise' LNG field.

It's been reported that a significant new offer has been made by Australia's lead negotiator, former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, to fast track the project.

The Albanese government isn't saying much about the deal publicly, but President José Ramos-Horta was on Afternoon Briefing this afternoon.

He says what he knows about the offer so far has come from the media.

"However, from what I've seen in the media, I cannot really say how that would impact on the thinking of the Prime Minister [Xanana Gusmao]," he says. "We do not want a pipeline for the sake of it, but because a pipeline coming to Timor-Leste would generate much more benefits, employment and the secondary, primary industries that will create much more job and the wealth for Timor-Leste."

Ramos-Horta was asked if he thought Australia's concerns about China's influence was a "motivating factor" in its revised offer.

"It could be that one motivation on the part of Australia is to provide greater incentive to Timor-Leste so that we don't have to look at other options," he says, adding one of the other options is China. "But we don't view China with the same lens as Australia."

Breaking: Critical minerals company targeted in suspected cyber attack

An Australian critical minerals company has been targeted in a suspected cyber attack just hours after the federal treasurer ordered Chinese investors be removed.

Defence correspondent Andrew Greene has this breaking story for you.

A suspected cyber criminal group has claimed online to have successfully stolen sensitive data from Northern Minerals, which operates the Browns Range mine in Western Australia's Kimberley region. A spokesperson for the home affairs minister has told the ABC it's aware of the incident and is engaging with the company.

Read more below:

Will the ADF look at other foreign nationals next?

Back to Matt Keogh for a moment.

Afternoon Briefing host Greg Jennett asks when the ADF will allow citizens in nations beyond the Five Eyes and the Pacific into its ranks.

Keogh says that would "evolve over time".

He adds permanent residents have already "made a commitment to Australia" but they would also need to meet all the "normal security requirements" that would allow them to serve in the ADF.

How criminals manipulated NDIS participants and stole their money

By Claudia Long

Today's award for lowest of the low goes to: criminals tricking NDIS participants to use their money for drugs, holidays and cars.

In one case a participant would meet the fraudulent provider at the ATM, the provider would withdraw cash and provide that cash to the participant to get her to source illicit substances

Bill Shorten   — the minister responsible for the scheme — has been facing questions about this from his opposition counterpart Michael Sukkar .

Shorten says the scheme is dealing with more than 500 compliance investigations, but laid part of the blame at the feet of the former government.

"These issues of fraud did not start yesterday... clearly anyone claiming items which are not allowed under the scheme, it is illegal.

"The one difference between us and those people opposite is we are doing something about fixing up the scheme, you did nothing."

As I'm sure you can imagine, it went down a treat with those on the opposition benches.

Keogh says ADF recruitment change 'very clear' despite confusion

Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh is now on Afternoon Briefing doing his best effort to clear up the confusion about the government's ADF recruitment changes.

He's told Greg Jennett that it's all actually "very clear".

  To quickly sum it up for you:

• NZ citizens (if permanent residents) can apply to join from July 1
• Citizens of Five Eyes (if permanent residents) can apply from January 1
• Permanent residents who are citizens of Pacific nations will be next to be considered, but no set date on this one.  

"This is a crossing the Rubicon type moment, this is opening up something that we haven't done in the Australian Defence Force before, and so we need to open up that in a staged way," he said.

The confusion kicked off because Keogh told reporters this morning the January 1 date would also apply to "other countries".

All clear? I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Giles weighing up whether to cancel visa of Mokbel associate

A 51-year-old Maltese-born man with ties to Melbourne’s notorious Mokbel family has had his visa reinstated by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The AAT reinstated 51-year-old Kevin Farrugia 's visa on Monday, despite the Maltese-born man's extensive criminal history.

As promised, political reporter Matthew Doran has more for you on this story that came to light during QT.

'It's a dog's breakfast': Dutton calls for clarity on ADF recruitment

Opposition leader Peter Dutton is up now alongside   Andrew Hastie and Phil Thompson.  

It's safe to say they aren't fans of government's plan to allow ADF to accept recruits from overseas, especially after the confusion around who exactly would be eligible.

Here's a bit of what Dutton had to say:

"It's a dog's breakfast … what we see at the moment is a government in chaos and they’re lurching from one disaster to the next," he said. "Minister Keogh is out there telling you that it's going to apply to every nation. "They're now saying, oh, well, we're winding it back in. It'll only apply to some nations, but maybe not others. Maybe some people from Five Eyes. "We're up to version 4 or 5 ,and we're not even up to the nightly news."

Government housing agency spending millions on consultants

By Tom Crowley

Up now at estimates is Housing Australia, the housing body which runs the government's Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), among other things.

Senator David Pocock   is quizzing them on why they spent $24 million on external consultants in the last year alone, which as he points out is more than the government gave to foodbanks over the same period ($21 million).

Yet Housing Australia has 131 of its own staff, including 27 on executive salaries and a salary of $526,906 for its CEO Nathan Dal Bon.

The basic answer was: to help with setting up new capabilities.

The new HAFF, a $10 billion investment fund set up to build social and affordable housing, will see at least $500 million a year go out the door to housing providers to build and operate houses.

The Senate heard a little more detail about how that will work: providers will get annual grants lasting 25 years to operate the housing. 673 prospective providers have applied in the first round, but the money has not yet gone out the door.

When will the first house be built? "It's hard to say," Dal Bon says.

There's a bit going on

Opposition leader Peter Dutton will also be standing up shortly.

It's all happening this afternoon.

A little bit of confusion about the ADF announcement today

So before we get into the rest of the day's antics, I wanted to step you through something that's caused a bit of confusion up here in the ABC office.

Earlier today, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh was spruiking the plan to open up the ADF ranks to foreign citizens.

This is what he told reporters in the hallways this morning.

"The key thing in here is that from 1 July we'll be opening this up to permanent residents from New Zealand that have been here for a year and then from 1 January it will open up to Five Eyes countries and permanent residents from other countries."

But hang on a second. That's different to what Defence Minister Richard Marles just told the House in QT.

"From the 1st of July with those conditions in place around having been a permanent resident for a year … and the appropriate security checks, if you are from New Zealand, you'll be able to join the Defence Force. "From the 1st of January, that will be extended to other Five Eyes countries. In the future we are having an eye to the Pacific."

Keogh will be   up on Afternoon Briefing shortly where hopefully he'll be able to clear up the confusion.

You can watch live on   the ABC News live stream , or follow our live blog here for the highlights.

That's all for QT

But stick around, I can promise you there is more fun to be had on Afternoon Briefing today.

What's the go with Labor's religious discrimination promise?

It's been a while since a question was asked about the Religious Discrimination Bill. But before I get into it, some context.  

Back in March, the PM shelved his election promise to overhaul the nation's religious discrimination laws unless it received bipartisan support.

But negotiations with the Coalition have stalled.

So enter Greens MP Stephen Bates. He asks the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus if he'd be willing to work with the Greens to pass the bill.

Dreyfus says he wants to get this done, albeit not with the Greens.

"It is in the interests of all Australians that there be an enduring solution that strengthens protections for all Australians, including students, teachers and people of faith," he says. "And that's why bipartisan support is so essential. We want to get this done. We want unity, not division. "The prime minister has reached out to the leader of the opposition to get this done, and I continue to look forward to working with the opposition to progress legislation, if that is possible."

📸 PM all laughs as treasurer quizzed

Legal funding for frontline gendered violence services

By Georgia Roberts

Independent Zoe Daniel has lobbed a question to the attorney-general about legal help for women fleeing violent situations.

An independent review of legal service funding found that current levels were insufficient to meet Australia's legal assistance needs, especially help for marginalised groups.

Daniel brought up the National Legal Assistance Partnership review, released publicly last week, which recommended funding for women’s legal services be separated from the general community legal centres stream.

Mark Dreyfus's office had the report for three months and is still considering the review.

Daniel asked if the government would adopt the recommendation for a dedicated funding stream and Dreyfus didn't directly answer the question.

"I know the importance of the work that they do for women fleeing violence, women's legal services provide advice and support to keep them from harm," he says.

So no answer on whether the government will implement that particular recommendation, however, it has allotted $44.1 million to ensure the partnership remains for another year.

"The government understands absolutely that this will not fix all of the issues currently plaguing the sector, but it is an acknowledgement of the resource and workforce issues. It's intended to directly assist with wage parity issues that have beset the sector for some time," he says.

The review now goes to the states and territories to agree on what the future of the legal service funding model looks like.

If you want to read a little about the legal services partnership and what it means, here's something I prepared earlier.

What is the government doing to support people with complex mental health conditions?

Wentworth MP Allegra Spender is up next. She represents the area in Sydney's eastern suburbs that takes in Bondi Junction.

"The senseless attack at Bondi Junction on April 13 left six people dead and traumatised ... the perpetrator experienced severe mental health problems and had fallen through the cracks of our mental health system," she begins.

Spender says she wants to know what the government is doing to support people with the "most complex conditions" and "fix our broken mental health system".

Health Minister Mark Butler says that many people with complex conditions are supported by the NDIS but "too many fall outside that system".

He adds states are currently undertaking an unmet needs analysis and it would be a "big focus" of the foundational supports process that is currently underway with the states.

Labor cheers as Angus Taylor asks treasurer a question

It's a bit of a lame joke really. It basically boils down to the fact the shadow minister rarely lobs a question directly at Jim Chalmers.  

Back to the question . Angus Taylor asks about the latest monthly inflation data.

Chalmers uses it as an opportunity to whack the Coalition's economic management.

Taylor isn't happy with that and asks the Speaker to bring him back to the question. Chalmers, however, isn't fazed.

"Without a hint of self-awareness, the shadow treasurer talks about something that sunk without a trace," the treasurer hit back.

"The least relevant person in the parliament wants to get up and talk about relevance."