Professional | No snooze industry news
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Rm 8 | Virtual
Prof Topics
| Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| 8:30 AM - 9:20 AM |
| Rm 8 | First Floor |
Speaker
Mrs Paula Kinnane
GM PD, Standards, and Research
ASA- Australasian Sonographers Association
The plot thickens: Project updates that actually excite
8:30 AM - 8:50 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
This presentation will provide a snapshot of some of the Australasian Sonographers Association's current projects that aim to strengthen and modernise clinical practice for sonographers across Australia and New Zealand.
This session will highlight progress on new models of training designed to respond to the needs of both the current and emerging workforce, along with updates on the ASA Career Framework, which is shaping clearer opportunities for capability development and advanced practice.
This session will highlight progress on new models of training designed to respond to the needs of both the current and emerging workforce, along with updates on the ASA Career Framework, which is shaping clearer opportunities for capability development and advanced practice.
Biography
Mrs Paula Kinnane FASA |
Australasian Sonographers Association
Paula Kinnane is a sonographer with 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, research, and professional advocacy. With over two decades as a senior obstetric sonographer in MFM and eight years of university teaching, she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to advancing sonographic care.
Paula has a particular interest in professional development and policy reform. She was recently awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate international models of sonographer reporting in the UK, Norway, and New Zealand, with the aim of improving healthcare access in Australia, especially in rural and remote communities.
Now working with the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA), Paula leads the development of clinical guidelines, professional frameworks, and education resources, while advocating for the evolving role of sonographers in multidisciplinary care. Her work reflects a thoughtful, future-focused approach to strengthening the profession through collaboration, education, and evidence-based practice.
Dr Tony Coles
CEO
Australasian Sonographers Association
From the CEO’s desk: Direction, decisions and what’s ahead
8:50 AM - 9:20 AMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
The Australasian Sonographers Association Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to advance the sonography profession and strengthen its impact on healthcare outcomes. Guided by its vision of “a healthier world through sonographer expertise,” the plan is structured around five strategic pillars, which will be the feature of this presentation.
First, ASA prioritises advocacy and professional recognition, positioning sonographers as the principal providers of diagnostic ultrasound. This includes influencing policy, progressing regulation, and addressing workforce challenges.
Second, the plan focuses on quality and standards, with initiatives to develop clinical guidelines, support evidence-based practice, and expand research capability. Investment in research grants, a career framework, and professional standards underpins this pillar.
Third, ASA emphasises lifelong learning by expanding accessible continuing professional development (CPD), fostering inclusive education pathways, and delivering a high-quality international conference and events program.
Fourth, the organisation seeks to strengthen its leadership role in ultrasound through strategic partnerships (both nationally and internationally), public awareness initiatives, and expansion into under-serviced areas.
Finally, organisational excellence is a core enabler, with a focus on strong governance, financial sustainability, workforce culture, and member engagement. Key initiatives include improving systems, enhancing the member experience, and maintaining growth.
Overall, the plan reflects a balanced approach to advocacy, education, research, partnerships, and internal capability, positioning ASA as the leading voice and trusted authority in medical ultrasound across Australia and New Zealand.
First, ASA prioritises advocacy and professional recognition, positioning sonographers as the principal providers of diagnostic ultrasound. This includes influencing policy, progressing regulation, and addressing workforce challenges.
Second, the plan focuses on quality and standards, with initiatives to develop clinical guidelines, support evidence-based practice, and expand research capability. Investment in research grants, a career framework, and professional standards underpins this pillar.
Third, ASA emphasises lifelong learning by expanding accessible continuing professional development (CPD), fostering inclusive education pathways, and delivering a high-quality international conference and events program.
Fourth, the organisation seeks to strengthen its leadership role in ultrasound through strategic partnerships (both nationally and internationally), public awareness initiatives, and expansion into under-serviced areas.
Finally, organisational excellence is a core enabler, with a focus on strong governance, financial sustainability, workforce culture, and member engagement. Key initiatives include improving systems, enhancing the member experience, and maintaining growth.
Overall, the plan reflects a balanced approach to advocacy, education, research, partnerships, and internal capability, positioning ASA as the leading voice and trusted authority in medical ultrasound across Australia and New Zealand.
Biography
Dr Tony Coles |
Australasian Sonographers Association
Tony is the CEO of the Australasian Sonographers Association. He has an impressive career in health association management having previously been the CEO of Audiology Australia and the Australian Association of Gerontology. Tony has a deep understanding of the health sector, having spent time as a director on the boards of Allied Health Professions Australia and the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions, as well as Chair of the Hearing Health Sector Alliance. Tony has a talent for nurturing and growing professional associations, both in terms of size and influence, and has achieved great success in leading associations through positive collaboration with stakeholders.
