ASA Annual Report 2022-23

2022–23 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S REPORT

4

FINANCE RISK AND AUDIT CHAIR’S REPORT

6

PROMOTE THE PROFESSION

8

ADVOCATE FOR THE PROFESSION

12

DRIVE QUALITY AND STANDARDS

14

FACILITATE AND PROMOTE EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE WITHIN THE PROFESSION

18

FACILITATE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

20

DELIVER MEMBER VALUE & SUPPORT

26

NURTURE A GREAT ORGANISATION TO BELONG TO

28

RECOGNISE AND REWARD OUTSTANDING SONOGRAPHERS

30

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

36

FINANCIALS

46

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

51

VISION, PURPOSE AND STRATEGIC INTENT

T

he ASA Strategic Intent 2021–2023 outlines the direction and primary objectives of the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA).

It centres around the commitment to enhance the sonography profession by advocating for and promoting high quality ultrasound practices. Additionally, the association aims to improve the standards of sonography, offer comprehensive professional development opportunities, and encourage professional growth in the field of sonography. The association also strives to innovate and improve its operations to ensure excellence, sustainability, and added value for its members. Furthermore, the ASA seeks to create a supportive and inclusive environment, making it an organisation that members are proud to be a part of.

OUR VISION

A HEALTHIER WORLD THROUGH SONOGRAPHER EXPERTISE

OUR PURPOSE

FOSTERING A SONOGRAPHY PROFESSION THAT DELIVERS HIGH QUALITY ULTRASOUND

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23 |

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Australia’s largest health organisations, and grown our public profile as the voice of the sonography profession.

The Board and I are very proud of Jodie’s efforts and we wish her all the very best in her new opportunity.

Promote and advocate for the advancement of the sonography profession

Ian Schroen, President, ASA

Our Policy Team continued its campaign to add the sonography profession to the National Regulation and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) in Australia. Regulation will significantly enhance public safety and consumer protection, as well as ensuring sonographers are recognised for their vital role within our health systems.

ASA presented a robust submission to Australia’s Health Ministers, met with key government stakeholders, and hosted a Parliamentary Breakfast to inform Members of Parliament of the public health benefits of sonographer regulation. We have also built our public case through a coordinated media campaign, showcasing the risks of not providing consumers and sonographers with the pathways for action that regulation provides.

Sonographers are a critical part of any multidisciplinary health team, yet we continue to see significant workforce shortages across our public and private health systems.

This year, ASA hosted a roundtable discussion designed

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I

’m delighted to present the ASA Annual Report for 2022–23, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and roadmap for the future.

ASA has once again demonstrated its financial responsibility and commitment to good governance in 2022/23. The organisation generated strong growth from professional development and corporate partnerships, while returning value for members and delivering on our strategic plan.

During the Board’s strategic planning session, a new strategic plan was developed for the association. This plan is our roadmap for success for the next three years.

Included is a revised purpose statement: Developing the sonography profession to deliver better health through ultrasound with a vision of: A healthier world through sonographer expertise As well, we have revised our strategic direction, detailing our focus on advocacy for the profession, delivering expert patient care, boosting our professional development, and being the trusted voice in ultrasound.

We want to be at the forefront of innovation, driving research and advocacy to improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of the profession. This plan will guide us as we drive the standards of practice, expand our skill sets, and build collaborations with sonographers across the world.

This year, we saw the departure of our long-standing Chief Executive Officer, Jodie Long. Jodie leaves the ASA with a significant legacy of achievement having doubled our membership, secured partnerships with some of

4 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

to identify the key issues driving these shortages, as well as potential solutions. The next phase of this work will be to refine our analysis and consult more widely with industry, government, and peak body stakeholders so we can mobilise action. The roundtable brought together over 20 leaders from across the world of sonography, government, and the rural allied health sector.

This valuable day generated the development of key recommendations that will be further progressed with government departments, universities and education providers, as well as employers. The ideas and proposals provide a basis for future developments.

It is clear there is no single, simple solution for the workforce issues the profession is facing; a comprehensive approach is required.

While COVID-19 continues to place pressure on our health system, we saw governments across Australia and New Zealand turn their attention to cost-of-living pressures.

Our Policy Team, through our New Zealand Sonographers Advisory Group, is advocating to reduce the costs of ultrasound in New Zealand to ensure consumers affected by cost-of-living pressures are not prevented from accessing a crucial diagnostic tool.

Drive the quality and standards of sonography practice The ASA’s commitment to advancing sonography standards of practice is demonstrated through its research grants and the delivery of quality publications. The annual $30,000 ASA Research Grant fosters quality research that contributes to evidence-based sonography practice, and this year the grant was awarded to Dr Christopher Edwards, Queensland University of Technology, for

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

We want to be at the forefront of innovation, driving research and advocacy to improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of the profession. his project Optimising Ultrasound-based Liver Fat Quantification Methods.

Our high quality resources and publications continue to resonate with our members. Our biannual publications Soundeffects news and Making Waves in Sonography Research provide a report on the state of the profession and serve as a guide for updates in clinical practice, respectively, and have a combined readership of over 6,000.

A huge highlight was our Sonography journal receiving its first Impact Factor of 0.4, which will build on enhancing its discoverability and enable closer tracking of citation activity. Thank you and congratulations to all involved.

This year, the ASA has listened to sonographer members wanting guidance on scan times and scheduling. The ASA initiated the Ultrasound Examination Scan Times Research Project in collaboration with the University of South Australia. The project seeks to investigate if there is a relationship between transducer times and scheduled exam times, with results expected in the next year.

Facilitate comprehensive skills and professional development opportunities in ultrasound The 29th Annual International Conference – ASA2023 Brisbane – solidified ASA’s position as the world’s largest sonography conference with over 2,000 delegates. The conference featured multiple streams, a successful cardiac program, and interactive ASA Arena discussions.

It garnered global recognition, including accreditation by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), expanding international engagement. It was wonderful to honour the 2023 Pru Pratten Award winner Dr Rebecca Perry, FASA – a very worthy winner.

ASA’s online learning platform thrived this year, issuing 37,800 CPD points and observing increased engagement in webinars, educational videos and online tests. Over 60 face-to-face events, including Special Interest Group Days, General and Cardiac Seminars, and Branch meetings, were well attended, catering to sonographers’ professional development needs at every level. A notable addition was the successful Sonography Student Showcase.

ASA’s partnership with Radiology Across Borders (RAB) expanded outreach efforts to improve patient outcomes globally. Initiatives included free overseas membership, remote conference registration, and enhanced author support for Sonography journal submissions. This collaboration aligns with the shared vision of creating a heathier world through healthcare expertise.

and overseas engagement through RAB collaboration.

Remarkably, membership retention soared to an unprecedented 97%, underscoring the association’s value.

Embracing the digital shift, the ASA website remains a pivotal hub, offering members access to a plethora of resources, CPD tracking, event calendars, and more.

Strategic enhancements initiated in early 2023 have improved the user experience, resulting in a modernised homepage with enhanced usability and navigation.

During the past year, our corporate partners showcased unwavering commitment by supporting a variety of ASA activities, including workshops, videos, special events, and conferences. The ASA’s outstanding 100% retention rate among corporate partners reflects the strong value we offer as a professional association, fostered by relationships with employers, universities, and industry suppliers, all of which are deeply appreciated.

Nurture a great organisation to belong to The ASA team provides exceptional member support and an amazing range of professional development activities.

The Board is extremely proud of the team and the feedback received from our members demonstrates the hard work they perform.

During this financial year, the Board has renewed the lease on our Queen Street Melbourne offices, while ensuring we continue to offer flexible work arrangements.

Beyond these key aspects, we continually invest in professional development, promote open communication, and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.

The entire organisation’s commitment to our values ensures that our organisation not only excels in its industry but also becomes a place where every member feels valued, supported, and proud to belong.

And, finally, this is my last annual report as President of the ASA. It has been an incredible privilege to lead and serve in this role, witnessing the growth and accomplishments of our organisation alongside our entire team. I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to all our key stakeholders – our dedicated staff, our valued members, our steadfast partners, and especially the great support from the current and past Board Directors. While my time as President may be coming to a close, I remain committed to the mission and vision of this organisation and look forward to witnessing its continued growth and success.

Innovate and evolve to deliver organisational excellence, sustainability, and value for members ASA membership has continued to grow throughout the past year, bolstered by targeted efforts towards students, cardiac sonographers, New Zealand members,

Ian Schroen President, Australasian Sonographers Association

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Alexandra Bell, Finance Risk and Audit Committee Chair, ASA

T

he ASA delivered an operating surplus before investment movements of $480,650 for the year ended 30 June 2023. Moderate investment performance, broadly in line with market conditions, increased the net result for the year to a surplus of $523,704 compared to a prior year deficit of $108,904.

Many people have contributed to this strong operational result, including our members, corporate partners, the ASA staff and my fellow directors, and I thank everyone for their ongoing support.

The cornerstone annual conference in May 2023 was a standout success. Delivered in a hybrid format for the third year running with the largest number of registrations to date (over 2000 in-person and online delegates).

Revenue The ASA’s revenue in 2023 was $5.5 million, an increase of 26% on the 2022 financial year. The variance was largely driven by 22% more in member subscriptions, and 24% more in event income. Other contributing factors were a larger contribution from sponsorship income and increased interest income.

FINANCE RISK AND AUDIT REPORT Expenses The ASA makes all expense decisions in the best interests of our members.

Expenses overall were up 17% on the previous year, largely due to costs associated with additional staff employed to better serve the organisation and our membership through events, grants, research and advocacy.

During the year, the cost of insurance rose materially (up 95% on 2022), which is not inconsistent with indemnity and liability insurance trends across the country. With effect from 1 July 2023, the ASA Group Liabilities Insurance for Members changed insurers from Guild Insurance to Berkley Insurance Australia (BIA). Despite a rise in claims, and therefore premiums, the ASA was able to maintain a price for its members that is substantially cheaper than purchasing a policy on their own.

In 2022–23, the ASA invested efforts into seeking inclusion in Australia’s NRAS to enhance public safety.

The ASA pursued sonographer regulation with strategic highlights, such as a parliamentary briefing, jurisdictional meetings, a public opinion survey, and media coverage, all emphasising the importance of regulation. The ASA also hosted a roundtable on workforce sustainability, generating recommendations for government and industry support.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The ASA delivers valued services to members in a way which is sustainable through periods of uncertainty and change; it is financially set up to be able to continue to do this for many years into the future.

The ASA increased its investment in new professional development activities for members, both online and in person. These new offerings included Special Interest Group Days, Travelling Workshops and Branch meetings, and Cardiac and General Seminars. The ASA also diversified its online CPD offering by adding a Sonography Student Showcase to the slate, which was a huge success. ASA Online is still the go-to platform our members use for on-demand professional development, with an increase in overall offerings and 10% increase in CPD points issued. The ASA also strengthened its relationship with RAB, committing to increasing educational opportunities for developing nations.

Assets and cash reserves The ASA finished the year in a strong financial position with net assets of $3.5 million as of 30 June 2023. All equity reserves are now shown as part of the total accumulated surplus.

The ASA delivers valued services to members in a way which is sustainable through periods of uncertainty and change; it is financially set up to be able to continue to do this for many years into the future.

Investment performance The 2023 financial year was an uncertain one for investment markets with interest rates climbing from all-time lows to an RBA cash rate of 4.1% by 30 June 2023 – the fastest increase in decades. The ASA holds a diversified and defensive investment portfolio, which performed in line with expectations. These assets provide opportunities for the association to invest in the future of the sonography profession and deliver on its strategic intent for members.

Alexandra Bell Director and Finance Risk and Audit Committee Chair Australasian Sonographers Association

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PROMOTE THE PROFESSION Public knowledge and understanding of sonographers and what they do is still low. A recent public survey on sonography awareness showed that although most people know what ultrasound is, they are unable to identify the profession of the person who scans.

One of our aims at the ASA is to increase awareness that sonographers are experts in ultrasound. The ASA continued its promotion of the profession in 2022–23 through social media, thought leadership and other public facing campaigns.

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During 2022–23, the ASA increased engagement across all social media platforms. This was achieved through the strategic utilisation of diverse content formats, including social stories, carousels, and Linktree integration, resulting in a considerable increase in engagement, followers and reach. The ASA targeted its approach to effectively cater to distinct audience segments on each platform. As a result, the ASA succeeded in extending its outreach to encompass a wider scope of the public, including an international audience, to build sonographer awareness.

ASA2023 Brisbane Conference: Day-one wrap up To conclude the first day of the ASA2023 Brisbane Conference, we posted a small gallery of photos capturing the highlights on the ground at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). For those who attended the conference in person, it encapsulated their experience and excitement of the first day. It also gave those not in attendance a great summary of what they were missing and an insight into what they can expect from an ASA conference if they attend in future. The buzz and energy surrounding this conference was felt not only in the room, but with our audience on social media.

This post had many reactions and comments with followers really getting a sense of the day and feeling a part of it.

PROMOTE OF THE PROFESSION

Through social media

Our audience on social media is interested in a variety of ASA activities, from our events, advocacy campaigns and clinical news updates. Our top posts for FY 2022–23 were:

➜ ASA2023 BRISBANE CONFERENCE: DAY-ONE WRAP UP

➜ CLINICAL NEWS ITEM: EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

➜ SONOGRAPHER REGULATION IN THE NEWS

Clinical news item: Embryo development On ASA social media platforms, clinical news is posted at least once a week to keep members and non-members informed about sonography research, technology and advancements from around the globe. Clinical news and research items are always popular with the online social sonography community.

This post performed better than most because the topic is also of interest to a public audience, a community well beyond sonographers, or even people working in healthcare.

Sonographer regulation in the news The ASA has spent the better part of the 2022–23 financial year focusing on sonographer regulation and promoting issues affecting sonographers through the media, while also promoting sonographer awareness. The topic of sonographer regulation is important for ASA members, and this news article explained the issue easily for a public audience to comprehend and digest. The social post on all our channels complemented the article and encouraged our social audience to continue the conversation sparked by the article.

SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT INCREASED BY

29%

SOCIAL MEDIA INCREASE IN FOLLOWERS:

5,300 FOLLOWERS 9% INCREASE 1,522 FOLLOWERS 9% INCREASE 6,106 FOLLOWERS 31% INCREASE 2,443 FOLLOWERS 54% INCREASE

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Through celebrating our profession Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month In October 2022, ASA celebrated Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) with our sonographer community. The ASA created several digital assets for members to download and share on social media or print for their workplaces to spread sonographer awareness. The ASA also created three different mugs as merchandise for sonographers to purchase, use at home, for gifts and for use at work to promote the sonography profession.

Australasian Sonographers Day Every year on 27 October, the ASA celebrates Australasian Sonographers Day. Australasian Sonographers Day is a day for sonographers to reflect on the amazing work that they do and the critical role they play in the health journey of their patients. This year, we encouraged sonographers to organise a morning tea at their workplace and take photos to share with us and their community on social media.

TOTAL VIEWS OVER

10,000

The ASA video ‘Experts in ultrasound, focused on patient care’ was created to highlight the many roles a sonographer undertakes each day, including the role of patient carer even when they are not in the room. The video was launched on Australasian Sonographers Day and ran on our social channels for two weeks. The video was also sent to ultrasound clinics and department heads around Australasia to encourage them to include it on waiting room monitors and to share with patients and members of the public. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive.

30th Anniversary of the ASA This year was the 30th Anniversary of the ASA and we celebrated by taking a look back at our 30-year history and sharing it with our audience on social media, including our year-long ‘throwback Thursdays’ where we highlighted a milestone in the ASA’s history with a post on our social media channels. We also created a video, played at the ASA2023 Brisbane Conference, featuring the founding members of the ASA, explaining how the ASA started, and why they are still members after 30 years. This was an incredible celebration of the drive and tenacity of these members who laid the foundation for the great organisation we have for our profession today.

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PROMOTE OF THE PROFESSION

Through thought leadership and building sonographer awareness In early 2023, the ASA with the help of an external public relations agency commented on a number of different sonography issues in the media. Our then CEO, Jodie Long, became the go-to expert on issues affecting sonographers for Australasia, with news outlets such as ABC, Herald Sun and Medical Republic seeking her for comment. Each article or radio interview was widely received and positioned ASA as a thought leader in the health sector industry. The ASA gained 15 pieces of coverage in total on sonography issues with total estimated views of 358,000.

15 358,000

ARTICLES IN THE MEDIA

ESTIMATED VIEWS

RADIO ABC AM – HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS SCANNING FOR HEART DISEASE

ABC ONLINE – HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HEART TECHNOLOGY HELPS REMOTE PATIENTS GET ULTRASOUNDS

MEDICAL REPUBLIC – SONOGRAPHERS TAKE ANOTHER RUN AT REGULATION

HERALD SUN – KRISTINA COCOMAZZO FEARED FOR HER LIFE AFTER ULTRASOUND MISDIAGNOSIS OF TUMOUR

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ADVOCATE FOR THE PROFESSION The ASA is the trusted voice of sonographers advocating on behalf of the profession to highlight issues affecting sonographers and the public. These issues include increasing public safety through pursuing the regulation of Australian sonographers, ensuring the general public have timely access to high quality ultrasound performed by expert sonographers, including enforceable standards of practice and a sustainable workforce. The ASA met with government representatives, health and regulatory agencies and key stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate on these issues throughout the year.

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In 2022–23, the ASA continued its work for the profession to be added to the NRAS in Australia for the safety and protection of the public. The ASA team further refined its submission against the six criteria used for assessing additional professions for inclusion in the NRAS. The ASA met with all Australian jurisdictions to discuss the submission and request its tabling at the Health Ministers’ Meeting (HMM). We have also met with State and Commonwealth Health Department representatives. The submission is being discussed by a subcommittee of the Health Chief Executives Forum. The ASA will continue to pursue regulation for sonographers, aiming for the issue to be discussed by Health Ministers and proceeding through the formal assessment processes.

Highlights of regulation this year include: • hosting a parliamentary breakfast briefing event on regulation in June 2023 • meeting with all jurisdictions to make the case for regulation • conducting a new public opinion survey, which shows the importance the public place on regulation

ADVOCATE FOR THE PROFESSION

Regulation

Stakeholder engagement The ASA continues its program of strong engagement to ensure the voice of sonographers is heard and counted. The ASA participated in 58 meetings with key opinion leaders in government, political decisionmakers, industry, and health officials. The ASA also provided a total of 17 consultation submissions to government and other stakeholders.

58

THE ASA PARTICIPATED IN

MEETINGS

• strong media coverage of the regulation issue, including patient case studies.

Workforce In March 2023, the ASA hosted a roundtable discussion on workforce, attended by more than 20 leaders from the sonography field, and the ASA has prepared a report from the discussion to advocate key recommendations to government and industry to help support a more sustainable sonographer workforce.

In New Zealand, the ASA joined the Ministry of Health’s Sonography Sector Reference Group, which includes workforce considerations in its brief.

The ASA continues to gather statistics and other evidence to better understand the size and nature of workforce challenges and strengthen its advocacy work in this area.

17

THE ASA PARTICIPATED IN

CONSULTATION SUBMISSIONS TO GOVERNMENT

New Zealand In November 2022, the ASA formed the New Zealand Sonographers Advisory Group, which is providing invaluable policy and advocacy advice.

New Zealand is establishing a cardiac sonographer course at the University of Auckland – a win for sonography and a key issue that the ASA has been advocating for some time.

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DRIVE QUALITY AND STANDARDS The ASA is committed to strengthening and advancing the quality standards of the sonography profession. This is achieved by investing in and encouraging sonographers to undertake research, reporting on the state of the profession, producing high quality resources, and supporting evidence-based research published in the ASA’s scientific journal Sonography.

DRIVE QUALITY AND STANDARDS

Supporting and investing in research The ASA has supported and invested in research that assists in progressing and strengthening the profession through:

Research Grants Through the annual ASA Research Grant, funding of AU$30,000 is available to support one or more research projects each year. This grant encourages and supports sonographers to undertake new quality research that will lead to publications and contribute to the evidence-based practice of sonography. The Research Grant recipient for 2022 was:

Dr Christopher Edwards Optimising Ultrasound-based Liver Fat Quantification Methods Queensland University of Technology

400 ACCESSED OVER

Producing high quality resources As part of the ASA’s commitment to advancing best practices in medical sonography, a crucial aspect involves creating and offering resources designed to assist and guide sonographers in their professional endeavours. ASA posters are produced by experts on the Special Interest Group Committees and then put up on the walls of clinics, hospitals and universities across Australasia.

TIMES

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Making Waves Making Waves is a publication that provides a review of the most current sonography research worldwide. Research is reviewed by a member of our Special Interest Group Committees and presents findings and clinical applications in a more accessible format. Since moving the publication to the online platform Issuu, the readership has grown exponentially. Issuu allows readers on any device a better user experience, from scrolling text on your phone, turning pages on a desktop, directing readers straight to a particular article, and the popular read-time function making it easier for busy sonographers to digest.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:

OVERALL READS:

26,500 3,600 Soundeffects news OCTOBER 2022

soundeffectsnews

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:

OVERALL READS:

20,400 3,300

Soundeffects news is a biannual publication aimed at going in-depth on topics such as sonography research and the upcoming annual international conference. This year’s issues generated a high number of reads, over 3,300, and on average, members would read for almost 5 minutes. Soundeffects news is also published on Issuu, which enables a better reading experience and higher engagement for our members.

Ultrasound Examination Scan Times Research Project Over the year, the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence at the University of South Australia commenced research into ultrasound examination scan times. The ASA commissioned this project in response to member feedback seeking advice and guidance on scan times and scheduling.

The research endeavours to identify the relationship between transducer times in the context of overall scheduled exam times and consider if there is a relationship with quality outcomes for patients.

Sonographers will have an opportunity to be involved in this research over the coming year through an Australasianwide survey. The results of the project are expected in 2023/24 and have the potential to lead on to subsequent research projects.

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x x x

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FACILITATE AND PROMOTE EVIDENCEBASED PRACTICE WITHIN THE PROFESSION

It is crucial that the ASA continually improves and strengthens the quality and standards of ultrasound. Through the scientific journal Sonography, the ASA promotes excellence within the sonography profession. Sonography journal has four issues per year and publishes evidence-based research articles on a range of topics. Its goal is to enhance clinical practice by exploring new tools, enhanced techniques, and illustrate new research and technology.

FACILITATE AND PROMOTE EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

Sonography Journal ASA’s international peer-reviewed journal, Sonography, invites authors from both Australasia and around the globe to contribute articles and manuscripts covering a wide spectrum of topics within diagnostic medical sonography. In 2022, a successful application was submitted to include Sonography in the SCOPUS list of indexed journals and it has been added to the SCOPUS database. This, along with its listing on the Web of Science Emerging Sources Citation Index, will enhance its discoverability and enable closer tracking of citation activity.

Sonography journal received a Journal Citation Indicator of 0.11, its first Journal Impact Factor™ of 0.4 and first CiteScore of 0.6. These metrics are indicators of the influence that a journal has in academic and research circles based on the number of citations it generates. A Journal Impact Factor is also an indicator of journal quality, as only journals which have been evaluated for quality and ethical practices will be awarded annual citation metrics.

The Wiley-CAUL (Council of Australian Libraries) agreement, which started on January 2022, has already shown its impact. For Sonography journal, there was a noticeable change: the number of papers published as ‘open access’ increased from one in 2021 to seven in 2022.

Due to a number of initiatives implemented this year, there is a faster turnaround from submission to acceptance for Sonography journal. In 2022, the median number of days decreased to 79 days, down from 84 days in 2021.

Sonography journal is drawing submissions from around the world, with slightly more than half coming from countries outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Most submissions were from Australia (24), while there were also submissions from India (8), Argentina (6), Egypt (6), and one submission each from China, Iran, New Zealand, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Abstracts In 2022–23, the ASA received 73 abstracts for inclusion in the 29th Annual International Conference.

Seventy-two were accepted for inclusion as part of the conference program – our highest number ever.

0.4

JOURNAL IMPACT FACTOR

OPEN ACCESS ARTICLES INCREASED FROM

1 to 7

TOP COUNTRIES READING SONOGRAPHY:

USA 25% • CANADA 25% AUSTRALIA 25% UK 9% • INDIA 8%

73

ABSTRACTS

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FACILITATE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES The ASA continues to provide members with the largest selection of sonographer CPD opportunities in Australasia. ASA events went from strength to strength this year, with ASA hosting the largest sonography conference in the world, with over 2,000 delegates at ASA2023 Brisbane (in-person and online). In-person events were extremely popular, with successful Special Interest Group Days, Travelling Workshops, Branch meetings and seminars held around Australasia for sonographers at all skill levels and streams. ASA saw a lot of success through its online learning platform providing a number of CPD offerings on demand.

THE LARGEST SONOGRAPHY CONFERENCE IN THE WORLD

29th Annual International Conference – ASA2023 Brisbane

2000

The ASA continues to build on the success of its annual international conference and can now boast the biggest sonography conference in the world. In 2023, the ASA held the biggest and most successful conference to date in Brisbane with over 2,000 delegates. The conference boasted 10 rooms running concurrently with both lecture presentations and live scanning workshops spanning three days.

For the first time, the ASA delivered a full three-day cardiac program, which included two keynotes, expert speakers and live scanning, all dedicated to the cardiac specialty stream. The ASA2023 Brisbane Conference also delivered a new program in the form of ASA Arena.

ASA Arena was a huge success at the conference and encouraged a two-way discussion with experts and audience members on a variety of sonography issues.

Topics included protecting the sonographer, sonographer regulation, the future of sonography, patient-centred communication, social media and reassessing the ultrasound education model.

Delegates had the opportunity to attend the conference remotely, with all lecture presentations on the first two days of the conference live streamed and available to all delegates for three months after the conference.

A special thank you to Guild Insurance for supporting seven sonographers to attend the annual conference from rural and remote areas (including those affected by the floods), covering their flights, accommodation and conference registration to increase their knowledge to take back to their communities.

Through our partnership with RAB, ASA was able to offer free remote conference registration to sonographers from a tier 3 or 4 country. Over 70 delegates took up this fantastic opportunity.

In a huge coup for ASA’s international standing, the SDMS approved the accreditation of ASA2023 Brisbane Conference. This meant that the ASA Annual International Conference was recognised, and their 28,000 members could attend the ASA conference and receive 12 CPD points. Members from SDMS attended the conference this year and the ASA hopes to build upon this attendance year on year.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ASA offers a broad range of opportunities for sonographers to advance their professional knowledge.

OVER

ATTENDEES

14

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

254

PRESENTATIONS

80

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP SESSIONS

73

SUBMITTED ABSTRACTS

324,000 VIRTUAL HOURS VIEWED

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ASA 2023 conference was my favourite yet – and I have been to many! The variety of speakers and specialists in their fields was the best I have experienced. Many new speakers and interesting topics too.

As a newly qualified sonographer coming into the clinical world, I felt very inspired by all the amazing knowledge shared by my fellow sonographers at ASA2023. It has excited me for what’s to come in our industry and the difference that our community will benefit from with our advances in education and technology.

The educational offerings from local and international invited speakers were superb and the workshops allowed for a very high level of interactive learning. The new ASA Arena was also a highlight, touching on so many important discussions for the future of our profession. Excellent all round.

ASA2023 Brisbane Conference feedback

Throughout a 40-year career across a vast range of specialities, I am always humbled by the degree of knowledge of my colleagues in the ultrasound community at all levels of the profession and their enthusiasm to not only learn from others but to share their knowledge in such a professional and respectful way.

I attended ASA2023 in person in Brisbane. After participating in the lectures and workshops, I gained deeper insights and advanced my knowledge in ultrasound. We learned from different perspectives in ultrasound imaging.

This is of utmost importance as we can provide diagnostic information in our ultrasound evaluation to help physicians deliver timely patient management. In addition, I enjoyed networking with colleagues from different institutions and countries!

The cardiac program had an amazing lineup of speakers. All the sessions were well put together, informative and stimulating.

As a modality lead, the ASA conference provides an invaluable opportunity to network with vendors and key industry figures, discuss recruitment opportunities and engage in educational sessions to ensure our protocols are reflective of best practice. A very thorough, engaging experience.

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Even with the return of in-person ASA events in 2022–23, ASA’s online learning platform was a mainstay of member professional development and saw an increase in engagement from the previous year. The ASA offers a range of professional development opportunities online, including new webinars, CPD tests, educational videos, podcasts and learning modules. The total number of CPD points issued through ASA Online was 37,800, 10% higher than 2022–23.

Webinar and educational video views were also up from last year with a 13% and 71% increase, respectively.

I’m a tutor sonographer and will definitely be sharing this podcast with my students. Grief counselling is a skill learnt on the job, most times with no back-up support from radiologists, so we as sonographers are burdened with this. This podcast was so helpful, especially with how we should/should not phrase things – for example, the ‘at least’ being a big one that lots of people, including myself, are guilty of! Thanks again for a great educational podcast!

ASA Podcasts feedback

2023 Rural and Remote feedback Greetings from Thursday Island, Torres Strait, Very Very Far North Queensland. What a fantastic opportunity to come to Brisbane and attend the 2023 Annual International Conference of the ASA as a recipient of the Rural & Remote support!

Our community is small and has many challenges, including a largely Indigenous population with multiple risk factors, complex health needs, limited access to healthcare and challenging patient transport logistics. Our hospital is the main health hub between the northern tip of mainland Australia and PNG. Ultrasound is often described as the ‘CT of the north’ because it is the only soft tissue imaging modality available.

As the only hospital in our region, any patient requiring imaging will likely attend our department. Decisions about patient care and potential transfers to larger hospitals are regularly made based on the findings of our scans.

Our department is very small (only two sonographers and one radiographer) and we do not have access to face-toface workshops and in-person professional networking! This conference was a great opportunity to upskill, reskill and network. The program was comprehensive and there were ample opportunities to attend a large range of presentations and workshops. I found the GIT workshops particularly interesting and of great value in my practice that does not have a CT scanner. As our practice is the only provider of obstetric imaging in our region, and with a high risk population, I really appreciated the range of talks about all stages of pregnancy. Mina Big Eso (a very big thank you), ASA, for a wonderful experience.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ASA Online

37,800

CPD POINTS ISSUED

23,400

WEBINAR VIEWS 13% INCREASE

8,500

COMPLETED ONLINE TESTS

4,000

EDUCATIONAL VIDEO VIEWS

71%

INCREASE IN EDUCATIONAL VIDEO VIEWS

NEW ASA ONLINE ACTIVITIES FOR 2022–23:

11 PODCASTS 10 CPD TESTS 3 EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS 10 WEBINARS

Rural and Remote delegate

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 23

60

IN-PERSON EVENTS

485

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP DAY ATTENDEES

162

GENERAL FUNDAMENTAL ULTRASOUND SEMINAR REGISTRATIONS

111

CARDIAC SEMINAR REGISTRATIONS

383

TRAVELLING WORKSHOPS REGISTRATIONS

1,129

BRANCH MEETING REGISTRATIONS

297

SONOGRAPHY STUDENT SHOWCASE VIEWS

24 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

ASA Events The demand for in-person events increased in 2022–23, with members flocking to over 60 events curated by the ASA. Events were run in states in Australia and in New Zealand to ensure all members had access to hands-on learning in their backyard, including Special Interest Group Days, General and Cardiac Seminars and Branch meetings. ASA’s Special Interest Group Days were held in capital cities in Australia and New Zealand and brought expert speakers and live scanning to sonographers. Travelling Workshops allowed sonographers working in regional and rural areas to gain access to professional development, with workshops hosted in 12 towns from Wagga Wagga to Hervey Bay. In 2022–23, we saw the introduction of the Sonography Student Showcase, which was a huge success, celebrating the future of our profession, and 21 sonography students submit a video presentation on a topic of their choice. Without restrictions, 2022–23 saw the return of the popular ASA Branch meetings, which were well attended by sonographers across Australasia.

General Fundamental and Cardiac Ultrasound Seminars

Awesome seminar with great presenters!

Learnt so much from the day. Loved how the speakers were open to help students and even stayed behind to answer questions, which as a student is essential.

Special Interest Group Days

Loved the live scanning. Great to see things in real time and be able to ask questions which the presenters could then demonstrate.

Travelling Workshops

I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did.

The speaker was so interesting that I stayed engaged for the whole talk.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Advance the education of those performing ultrasound, particularly in less developed communities for improved health outcomes ASA is a proud major partner of RAB and offered its continued support in 2022/23. The ASA and RAB have a shared vision of creating a healthier world through healthcare expertise, and together we are committed to building and sharing learning opportunities to sonographers across the world to improve patient outcomes. The ASA’s Outreach Program, through RAB, includes offering free ASA overseas membership to sonographers living in tier 3 and 4 countries, free remote registration to the ASA Annual International Conference, and extra support for authors submitting articles to our Sonography journal.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to ASA and RAB for providing me the opportunity to attend, virtually, ASA2023 Brisbane Conference. I have gained a lot from the conference, especially the MSK sessions have really shaped me and improved my clinical practice. It was an honour to learn from great speakers at the conference remotely. Sydney 2024 will be a wonderful learning experience again and I can’t wait to have this opportunity again.

ASA2023 Brisbane Conference remote delegate

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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DELIVER MEMBER VALUE & SUPPORT ASA membership continued to grow throughout FY 2022/23, with the focus on students, cardiac sonographers, New Zealand sonographers and building upon our overseas membership through our partnership with RAB. This year saw our highest membership retention to date with 97% of sonographers renewing their membership with the ASA. With an increasing migration to the digital delivery of information and resources, ASA has delivered high engagement across all digital channels and platforms. We continue to create and innovate to produce high quality content, tailored for our members.

The ASA continues to provide member value through the ASA website. It continues to be the main platform for members to find information, resources and publications, including their CPD tally, events calendar, latest news, as well as engage with online CPD offerings such as webinars, educational videos, CPD tests, and more. The ASA website offers information on research, advocacy, industry reports, and publications, to name a few. The website also has a number of resources for current and prospective students.

In early 2023, the ASA started its first phase in improving the user experience of the website by updating the homepage.

After an investigation into how members use the homepage, the ASA updated the top navigation menu, added a description of the role of the ASA, decreased the number of news items, added a calendar of upcoming events, and reduced the size of our partners’ banner and footer. Overall, the homepage has a more modern look and feel and better usability for members and non-members visiting the site.

Corporate partnerships This year our corporate partners demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the professional development of sonographers with their unwavering support and investment.

Our corporate partners supported all ASA activities throughout FY22/23, including 20 Travelling Workshops, nine educational videos, six Special Interest Group Days, three Cardiac Masterclasses, and three Fundamental Seminars.

The resounding success of our 29th Annual International Conference, evident in the sell-out exhibitor hall, further underscored its preeminent position as the top priority event for many of our partners.

The corporate partner program’s remarkable 100% retention rate is a testament to the exceptional value proposition offered by the ASA. The ASA has also forged robust relationships with employers, universities, ultrasound machine providers, and sector suppliers. The ASA extends its heartfelt thanks to all our partners for their ongoing support.

VALUE & SUPPORT

Member Website

USERS

91K 884K PAGEVIEWS

48

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

100

%

CORPORATE PARTNER RETENTION RATE

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 27

VOLUNTEERS A huge thank you to all our volunteers for dedicating their time and expertise to the organisation. In addition to our ASA committees, our volunteers also include our event speakers, student volunteers, and volunteer patients, who have all contributed to supporting the ASA and its members over the past year.

The ASA is supported by volunteer committees and panels, including the Sonographer Policy and Advisory Committee, Education Advisory Committee, Fellowships Panel, Sonography Editorial Board, Special Interest Groups, Branches and Conference Program Committees.

ASA STAFF The ASA is run by an incredible group of dedicated staff who actively embody the association’s values: memberfocused, innovative, integrity, unity, accountable, courageous. The team is committed to fostering a culture that values open communication, respect and a shared sense of purpose. ASA staff lay the foundation for a community where every member feels valued, connected, and a vital part of the ASA journey.

BOARD Board Chair Ian Schroen

NURTURE A GREAT ORGANISATION TO BELONG TO The ASA is only a great organisation because of the incredible people who run it. The ASA consists of a dynamic and cohesive team, made up of permanent staff, volunteers and contractors, all of whom receive strong backing from both the management and their colleagues.

Governance Committee Chair Ian Schroen Finance Risk and Audit Committee Chair Alexandra Bell

ADVISORY COMMITTEES Sonographer Policy and Advisory Committee Chair Anthony Wald Education Advisory Committee Chair Frauke Lever ASA Fellowship Panel Chair Jessie Childs Sonography Journal Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Kerry Thoirs

General Coordinator Iain Franklin Vascular Coordinator Alison Lacey MSK Coordinators Deborah Carmody Michelle Fenech Professional Topics Coordinator Bernadette Dellar Paediatric Coordinator Michael Woolgar Women’s Health Coordinators Julie Cahill – Obstetrics Mehrnaz Clifford – Breast/Gynaecology Truc Nguyen – Women’s Health Assist Cardiac Coordinators Joanne Sando Chrissy Thomson Volunteer Coordinator Saba Harrington ASA2022 Representative Saba Harrington EAC Representative Michelle Fenech

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS SIG General Chair Jane Keating Committee Members: Vaishali Bulsari, Faye Temple, Marilyn Zelesco SIG Cardiac Chair Anthony Wald Committee Members: Maria Ribeiro, Susannah Mahar, Chrissy Thomson, Alison White SIG Musculoskeletal Chair Michelle Fenech Committee Members: Deborah Carmody, Andrew Grant, Sophie O’Brien, Jacqueline Roots, Daniel Walkley, Craig Winnett SIG Paediatric Chair Cain Brockley Committee Members: Madonna Burnett, Allison Holley, Leanne Lamborn, Ilona Lavender, Emma Rawlings SIG Research Chair Afrooz Najafzadeh Committee Members: Helen Beets, Anna Graves, Ellen Kolsky, Ling Lee, Glenda McLean, Tristan Reddan

SIG Vascular Chair Matt Adams Committee Members: Katrina Dietrich, Heath Edwards, Kylie Elmore, James Maunder, Donna Oomens, Claire O’Reilly, Daniel Rae, Jacqui Robinson SIG Women’s Health Chair Sarah Srayko Committee Members: Laura Harbinson, Gina Humphries, Ling Lee, Frauke Lever, Sophie O’Brien, Nayana Parange, Ann Quinton, Catherine Robinson, Lakshmi Sanal SIG Sonographer Health and Wellbeing Chair Peter Esselbach Committee Members: Julianne Barry, Michele Dowling, Rebecca Evans, Aadi Ganesan, Emma Jardine SIG Emerging Technologies Chair Caterina Watson Committee Members: Robyn Boman, Joanne King, Lisa McGuire, Jacqueline Roots, Ian Schroen, Gina Zhang

BRANCH COMMITTEES Alice Springs Chair Ashtyn Lee Committee Members: Sarah Dick, Kirstie Geiger Auckland-Waikato Chair Scott Allen Secretary Kerrie Child Committee Members: Taylor Archer, Paula Edwards, Anabel Greville, Julie Heaney, Alison Keay, Nethanel Murania, Marion Raffaelli Australian Capital Territory Chair Teri Carmody Committee Members: Les Burgess, Lisa Hicks, Rebecca Manning, Natalie Smith Central West NSW Chair Jacqueline Spurway Vice Chair Jenelle Toole Committee Members: Olivia Houghton, Kim Orr, Kathleen Wilson Darling Downs Chair Haidee Janetzki Committee Member: Taylor Hansen Far North Queensland Chair Lara Anders Committee Members: Danielle Burke, Lisa Wellby Gold Coast Chair Trang Nguyen Goulburn Valley Chair Kristy Thomas Committee Members: Kirsten Arthur, Gavin Curley, Joanne McCready

Illawarra Chair Lauren Dwight Vice Chair Tony Chapman Secretary Saheeda Zotter Mackay Chair Ainslie Heinke Committee Member: Kylie Elmore Moreton Bay Chair Chris Edwards Newcastle Chair Greg O’Connor Committee Members: Susan Cowie, Jessica Cox, Suzana Drinic, Sarah Fell, Warren Lewis, Gary O’Connor, Danny Pavan, Sonya Simpson, Debbie Slade, Adam Tolfree New South Wales Chair Christina Farr Secretary Sarah Skillen Committee Members: Kobe Pettersen, Robyn Tantau, Lucy Taylor Queensland Chair Michael Foster-Greenwood Secretary Annie Chen Committee Members: Heather Allen, Mehrnaz Clifford, Aisling Fox, Chris Gilmore, Simone Karandrews, Chris Lewis, Melissa Pisano, Tristan Reddan, Melita Robert Riverina Chair Simone Francis Committee Members: Darren Surian, Jessica Talbot South Australia Chair Kosta Hellmanns Vice Chair Lino Piotto Sponsor Coordinator Alison Deslandes Committee Members: Julie Bakutis, Ellie Bruce, Jessie Childs, Melissa Farnham, Emma Godrik, Mark Matheson South West Western Australia Chair Natalie Clements Secretary Stacey Harrison Committee Member: Jane Donnelly Sunshine Coast Chair Dan Rae Vice Chair Mitchell Cassin Secretary Stacy Anderson Committee Members: Anthea Allen, LeShell Carter, Emma Chettle, Renee Dixon, Chris Mitchell, Sarah-Jane Kenna Tasmania Chair Emma Brodribb Committee Member: Kathryn O’Driscoll Victoria Chair Lynne Johnson Secretary Andrew Grant Committee Members: Paul Coussens, Meredith Hopps, Ray Hora, Dalena Nguyen, Rigel Pandit, Ankitha Ramesh, Sharon Stafford

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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NURTURE A GREAT ORGANISATION TO BELONG TO

ASA2023 BRISBANE CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE

RECOGNISE AND REWARD OUTSTANDING SONOGRAPHERS On 27 May 2023, the sonography profession came together at the Gala Dinner, part of the ASA2023 Annual International Conference in Brisbane, to pay tribute to a special group of sonographers. Exceptional sonographer members from across Australasia were recognised for their standout achievements and dedication to the sonography profession.

The awards and recognition announced on the night included the Awards of Excellence, Pru Pratten Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award and the ASA Fellow inductees.

30 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

RECOGNISE AND REWARD

FELLOWS ASA Fellowship is not only the highest grade of ASA membership, but a significant professional achievement in sonography. To be considered for an ASA Fellowship, a member must have made an invaluable contribution not only to the ASA, but to the sonography profession at large. Only a small number of ASA members are inducted into the honour roll every year; these inductees can add the post nominal letters to their name, FASA, depicting ASA Fellowship.

Celebrating our most recent inductees, three fellows were honoured at the recent Conference Gala Dinner in Brisbane on Saturday, 27 May 2023. A huge congratulations to these outstanding members:

• Dr Ann Quinton • Sumi Shrestha Taylor

Dr Ann Quinton

• Dr Jacqueline Spurway

Sumi Shrestha Taylor

Dr Jacqueline Spurway

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE The ASA Awards of Excellence honours outstanding achievements in sonography and recognises excellence, best practice and contribution to the sonography profession. It is these sonographers, along with the exceptional list of nominees, who are the pillars of the sonography profession.

This year, nine sonographers were honoured with a Sonographer of the Year Award in the following categories: NSW, Vic, Qld, SA, WA, and New Zealand, as well as Researcher of the Year, Tutor of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Join us in congratulating our 2023 Awards of Excellence recipients:

Sonographer of the Year New South Wales

Sonographer of the Year New Zealand

Sonographer of the Year Queensland

Sonographer of the Year South Australia

Sonographer of the Year Victoria

Sonographer of the Year Western Australia

Linda Thebridge

Emma Godrik

32 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

Olwen Clarke

Andrew Grant

Michael Foster-Greenwood

Kylie Haliczenko

RECOGNISE AND REWARD Researcher of the Year

Assoc Prof Nayana Parange, FASA

Tutor of the Year

Louise Deshon, AFASA

The Sue Caitcheon Memorial Award ASA Volunteer of the Year

Sandhya Maranna, FASA

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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PRU PRATTEN MEMORIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Awarded to Dr Rebecca Perry, FASA in 2023

The recipient of the 2023 Pru Pratten Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award is Dr Rebecca Perry, FASA. For over 20 years, Dr Perry has volunteered her time to the ASA and the sonography profession. She has been both a committee member and chair of our ASA Special Interest Groups, Editorial Board and served on several program committees.

Dr Perry has been involved in research since 2003, and has raised over $350,000 in research funding, which has helped to shape clinical practice, save lives, as well as reduce sonographer-related injuries. Dr Perry’s dedication to sharing her knowledge with sonographers is extensive. She completed her PhD in 2013 and has presented extensively, both nationally and internationally, with more than 40 peer-reviewed articles published.

Dr Perry is a passionate educator who has significantly impacted the careers of many students from senior sonographers to consultants. She has developed a sonography course program from scratch, as well as designing innovative systems to enhance teaching and training. Dr Perry has been involved in outreach strategies for Aboriginal diabetes clinics to assist with early detection and prevention.

Her dedication to advancing the field of cardiac sonography has been a true inspiration for others. Dr Perry is a Fellow of the ASA and an avid advocate for cardiac sonographers.

The ASA is proud to present Dr Perry with this prestigious award. We thank her for her continued service to the ASA, peers and profession.

34 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

DIRECTORS’ REPORT The Directors present their report, together with the financial statements, on the company for the year ended 30 June 2023.

36 || ASA 2022–23 ASA ANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT 2021 – 2022

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors The following persons were directors of the company during the financial year and up to the date of this report, unless otherwise stated:

Ian Schroen

Narelle Kennedy

BAppSc (Medical Radiations), Dip Medical Ultrasound (Vasc), M Medical Ultrasound

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), Graduate Diploma of Applied Science (Medical Ultrasonography), Bachelor of Applied Science Medical Radiation Technology (conversion), Diploma of Applied Science Medical Radiation Technology (Diagnostic Radiography)

Ian’s career to date has been diverse and challenging, centred around ultrasound. Ian first gained a passion for vascular ultrasound during the 1990s and after several years in clinical ultrasound, he moved to a corporate role. Well known for his work at Philips Healthcare, Ian returned to clinical ultrasound and completed a Master of Medical Ultrasound. Engaged in clinical ultrasound, research and teaching opportunities, Ian has a passion for all aspects of ultrasound. Ian presents regularly in various forums across a range of clinical and non-clinical topics.

He has been a Board Director since 2017 and the President of the ASA since December 2019.

Special Responsibilities • President and Board Chair • Chair, Governance Committee • Chair, Nominations Committee • Member, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee

Narelle is a Senior Research Sonographer specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology at South Western Sydney District Obstetric Research unit at Liverpool Hospital, with over 25 years’ experience working in ultrasound in the private and public sectors in both clinical and administrative positions. She completed her philosophy doctorate in 2018, completing her original research on obesity in pregnancy.

Narelle has extensive experience in research and is a member of the Editorial Board for Sonography and has reviewed manuscripts for several national and international journals. She continues her research as an affiliate of the University of Sydney and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research with an honorary position of research fellow. Narelle is also a casual academic at Central Queensland

University, mentoring and marking in two sonography research subjects since 2018. Narelle was appointed to the ASA Board in October 2020.

Special Responsibilities • Vice President • Member, Governance Committee • Member, Nominations Committee

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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Alexandra Bell

Sean Coveney

Michele Dowling

BSc Economics and Accounting with Law, Fellow Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

(APPOINTED 3 NOVEMBER 2022)

GradDipAppSc Medical Ultrasound, BAppSc Diagnostic Radiography, Dip Radiography (Therapy)

Alexandra (Alex) was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Challenger Limited in December 2022, having previously held a number of senior roles at Challenger, including Group Deputy CFO and CFO, Funds Management.

Alex was previously a Partner in KPMG’s CFO Advisory Practice and has extensive experience across life insurance and wealth management, including roles at BT Financial Group.

Special Responsibilities • Chair, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

38 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

MMedSon, GradDipMedSon, BMedRad (DiagRadiog), DipGov (Management), GIA (Affiliated)

Sean is currently the Head of Ultrasound SA Medical Imaging at the Repat Health Precinct in Adelaide.

Starting his career as a diagnostic radiographer, developing skills in angiography before specialising in ultrasound. Sean first joined the ASA as a full member in 2009 and joined the Board in 2022. He has a strong interest in developing people and the sonography profession and is a member of ASA’s Sonographer Policy and Advisory Committee (SPAC).

Sean is also studying his MBA in Healthcare Management.

Special Responsibilities • Member, Governance Committee • Member, Nominations Committee

Michele is currently a Senior Sonographer at a private imaging group in Sydney, having begun her career in London as a radiation therapy radiographer, and then as a diagnostic radiographer in Sydney, Australia. She has extensive clinical management experience as a Group Practice Chief Sonographer, managing a large team of sonographers and students across nine locations. Michele has been a member of the ASA Board of Directors since November 2016.

Special Responsibilities • Member, Governance Committee • Member, Nominations Committee

DIRECTORS’ REPORT Kelly Griffiths

Kosta Hellmanns

Roger Lee

LLB Hons, BA, GradDip Intellectual Property Laws

(RETIRED 3 NOVEMBER 2022)

GradDip in Medical Ultrasound, Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging, Certificate in Leadership and Management

Kelly is a Partner and Deputy Head of the Disputes and Investigations practice of Gadens, a leading Australian law firm. Prior to this role, Kelly was Head of Government Affairs and Policy and Chief Legal Counsel for GSK, one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies, in Australia and New Zealand. Kelly has also formerly worked for top tier law firms and in enforcement at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Kelly advises companies operating in highly regulated industries, with expertise in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Kelly is a Non-Executive Director on a number of not-for-profit boards, including the Melanoma Patients Association, Ranters Theatre and the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee.

Special Responsibilities • Member, Governance Committee • Member, Nominations Committee

Graduate Diploma Medical Ultrasound, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) with first class honours.

Kosta is a Specialist Sonographer and Radiographer at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide, where he acts as one of the core paediatric specialists within the ultrasound department.

Prior to this, and over the last 10 years, he provided ultrasound and X-ray services at several medical imaging sites within South Australia’s public sector. During this time, and beyond his clinical role, he has acted as Head Sonographer for the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), has been involved in a number of non-clinical workplace initiatives for the WCH and RAH, and has presented at a number of local ASA meetings. Kosta is passionate about both patient-centred healthcare and sonography, so has used opportunities these positions have provided to improve the delivery and quality of imaging services, improve patient outcomes and support fellow sonographers.

Roger is a Regional Manager for Capital Radiology with a keen interest in the US profession and building a strong, quality focused culture in the sonography space.

With numerous years spent as a tutor sonographer, and over 10 years of clinical experience in the public and private sectors, he has a deep understanding of the industry in Australia and abroad. He has a special interest in MSK imaging with a passion to expand the MSK skillset of general sonographers.

Special Responsibilities • Member, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee

Special Responsibilities • Former member, Governance Committee

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 39

Brooke Osborne SFHEA FASA GradDipEd, MMedSon, BHlthSc (Hons), BMedRad, PhD

Brooke is an accredited medical sonographer with experience mainly in tertiary referral hospitals and specialising in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound within a maternal-fetal medicine unit. Brooke left clinical practice to complete an education degree, following which she started her academic career.

Brooke is currently the Program Director for the medical sonography programs at the University of South Australia. Brooke was recently awarded a PhD, which has focused on education research in clinical skills development, and she continues to contribute to research and consultancy work across a range of ultrasound and allied health projects.

Julie Toop

Anthony Wald

Notary Public, LLB, GradDip Notarial Studies

BTech, ACCP (Cardiac), AMS, PDM, MClinEd

Julie is currently a legal consultant.

She has over 14 years’ experience in the financial services sector, having worked in a variety of legal and business roles in the commercial and retail segments at ANZ. Julie has considerable expertise in the health sector, having set up ANZ’s specialised health segment in Business Bank in 2014. Julie is a Notary Public and lawyer who has spent many years in private practice, including over 11 at top tier law firm Allens Linklaters. Julie has sat on a number of not-for-profit boards and is presently the Chair of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Anthony qualified as a cardiac sonographer in South Africa. Since relocating to Melbourne almost 20 years ago, he has spent most of his career in public healthcare. He is currently the Senior Clinical Support and Applications Specialist for Mindray Australia, having previously been a member of the transition management team for the Victorian Heart Hospital. He was the Chief Cardiac Physiologist for Monash Heart from 2004 until 2015. From 2015 to 2022, he worked as an educator in the Point of Care Ultrasound program at Monash Health.

Special Responsibilities • Member, Finance Risk and Audit Committee

Special Responsibilities • Company Secretary

Special Responsibilities • Member, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee

Company Secretaries The following persons held the position of Company Secretary during the reporting period: Anthony Wald Appointed 11 September 2021 Rachel Portelli Appointed 12 January 2023

40 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

OBJECTIVES OF THE AUSTRALASIAN SONOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION Principal activities The purpose of the Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd is to foster a sonography profession that delivers high quality ultrasound with a vision of creating a healthier world through sonographer expertise. The company is a notfor-profit organisation and is a registered charity working to advance the health of the public and to advance the education for those performing ultrasound.

The principal activities of the company during the reporting period included advocating for the profession to become regulated to protect the public and prevent harm, increase the recognition of sonographers being experts in ultrasound, as well as focusing on increasing sonographers’ professional development opportunities and supporting evidencebased research which will help to deliver better health care outcomes.

No significant changes in the nature of the entity’s activity occurred during the financial year.

Strategic Intent and Short-term Objectives The Strategic Plan 2021–2023 was amended with four similar strategic objectives and the additional objective of nurturing a great organisation to belong to: • To promote and advocate for the advancement of the sonography profession by positioning the sonographer as the expert and principal provider of diagnostic medical ultrasound, advocating and influencing the transition of the profession to the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme in Australia for the safety and protection of the

42 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

public, taking the lead in establishing a sustainable future workforce supply and clinical placement pathways in Australia and New Zealand so that all patients can have access to sonographer performed ultrasound, and ensuring sonographers are part of the conversation involving new and emerging technologies.

• To drive the quality and standards of sonography practice by contributing to high quality professional practice through the development of recommendations for sonography, facilitating and promoting evidence-based practice within the profession, supporting and investing in research that assists in progressing and strengthening the profession, as well as contributing to safe, appropriate, effective and equitable care for all people from socially, culturally and linguistically diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.

• To facilitate comprehensive skills and professional development opportunities in ultrasound by providing a broad range of opportunities for sonographers to advance their professional knowledge, digital literacy and careers, as well as collaborating with key stakeholders to increase other professions’ knowledge of ultrasound and advancing the education of those performing ultrasound, particularly in less developed communities, for improved health outcomes.

• To innovate and evolve to deliver organisational excellence, sustainability and value for members by delivering and communicating practical and tangible value to members throughout their career, adapting and collaborating to provide members with a personalised and valuable experience, prioritising membership growth within the sonography profession (locally and internationally), as well

DIRECTOR’S REPORT as actively growing our partnerships with aligned corporate partners that deliver value to members.

• To nurture a great organisation to belong to by committing to living our values, being resourced by quality people, systems and operations, as well as providing easily accessible resources to promote health, safety and wellbeing, creating a diverse, inclusive, and caring culture that supports high performance for all and empowering and enabling our people to be at their best.

Long-term Objectives The company’s long-term objectives are to continue to operate as the professional association furthering the sonography profession, the interests of all sonographers, and the health outcomes for their patients across Australasia by: • promoting and advocating for the advancement of the sonography profession • supporting and disseminating research that contributes to the sonography profession’s body of knowledge • positioning sonographers as the experts and principal providers of diagnostic medical ultrasound • contributing to the quality and standards of sonography practice by developing recommendations for sonographers and the sonography industry • engaging with Government and other healthcare providers to improve the quality and accessibility of sonography services and the future supply of sonographers in the workforce • facilitating professional development opportunities through

conferences, meetings, workshops and online activities • offering a broad range of opportunities for sonographers to advance their professional knowledge • advancing the education of those performing ultrasound and other people involved in sonography, including in less developed communities, for improved health outcomes • undertaking other actions or activities necessary, incidental, or conducive to advance these objects.

Key Performance Measures Each year, key performance indicators are set across the business based on the strategic intent and the short-term goals of the organisation. Individual performance plans are agreed to by each staff member, with clear performance and behavioural targets outlined in July, a half-yearly review performed in December, and a final appraisal performed at the end of the financial year.

Operating Results The (deficit)/surplus of the company for the reporting period after provision for income tax and before other comprehensive income was: 2023 $

2022 $

523,704

(108,904)

For the year ended 30 June 2021, the restatement had the effect of reducing the surplus for the 2020–21 financial year by $31,491. Refer to Note18 to the financial statements.

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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Meetings of Directors

Likely Developments

The number of meetings of the company’s Board of Directors (‘the Board’) and of each Board committee held during the year ended 30 June 2023, and the number of meetings attended by each Director were:

Likely developments in the operations of the company and the expected results of those operations in future financial years have not been included in this report as the inclusion of such information is likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the company.

Finance, Risk and Audit Committee

Board Attended

Eligible to Attend

Attended

Eligible to Attend

Alexandra Bell

3

6

4

4

Sean Coveney

5

5

Michele Dowling

6

6

Kelly Griffiths

6

6

Kosta Hellmanns

1

1

Narelle Kennedy

6

6

Roger Lee

3

6

4

4

Brooke Osborne

6

6

2

3

Ian Schroen

6

6

4

4

Julie Toop

4

6

3

4

Anthony Wald

5

6

(appointed 3 November 2022)

(retired 3 November 2022)

Environmental Regulation The company is not subject to any significant environmental regulation.

Members’ Guarantee At the end of the reporting period, Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd had 7,457 members (30 June 2022: 7,194 members).

Eligible to attend: represents the number of meetings held during the time the Director held office or was a member of the relevant committee.

Significant Changes in the State of Affairs In the opinion of the Directors, there were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the company that occurred during the financial year under review not otherwise disclosed in this report or the financial statements.

Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd is a company limited by guarantee. In the event of, and for the purpose of winding up of the company, the amount capable of being called up from each member and any person or association who ceased to be a member in the year prior to the winding up, is limited to $20, subject to the provisions of the company’s constitution.

At 30 June 2023, the collective liability of members was $149,140 (30 June 2022: $143,880).

Auditor’s Independence Declaration A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 60-40 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 is set out on page 9.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of directors, pursuant to section 298(2)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the directors

Matters Subsequent to the End of the Financial Year Mr Tony Coles has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. Tony’s official start date will be 25 September 2023.

There are no other matters or circumstances that have arisen since the end of the financial year that have significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the company, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the company, in future years.

44 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

Ian Schroen Director 12 September 2023 Melbourne

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Auditor’s independence declaration

Level 6, 30 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 TELEPHONE +61 3 8899 6199 FACSIMILE +61 3 9650 5751 www.dfkkidsons.com.au

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION TO THE DIRECTORS OF AUSTRALASIAN SONOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION LTD In accordance with the requirements of section 60-40 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 30 June 2023 there have been: (i)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; and

(ii) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

Michael L Port Partner Melbourne 12 September 2023

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation A member firm of DFK International, a worldwide association of independent accounting firms and business advisers

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 45

FINANCIALS General Information The financial statements cover Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd as an individual entity. The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd’s functional and presentation currency.

Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd is a not-for-profit unlisted public company limited by guarantee, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business is: Level 2, 93–95 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 A description of the nature of the company’s operations and its principal activities are included in the directors’ report, which is not part of the financial statements.

The financial statements were authorised for issue, in accordance with a resolution of directors, upon the date of signing this report. The directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements.

46 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

FINANCIALS

AUSTRALASIAN SONOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION LTD STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 Notes

Revenue

2023 $

2022 $

5,473,858

4,337,737

Employee benefits expense

2,015,628

1,815,828

Events and meeting expenses

1,163,621

921,232

800,546

410,968

3

Expenses

Members insurance Printing, stationery and industry journal

98,772

147,576

Office expenses

59,949

84,120

IT and Website

135,845

152,087

Software development costs

58,911

140,497

Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation of plant and equipment

7

50,130

47,621

Amortisation of right of use building asset

8

100,229

100,491

Grants, research and sponsorship

155,475

100,666

Professional fees

171,321

169,796

Subscriptions

44,946

73,485

Bank and merchant fees

45,866

36,587

Finance cost on lease liability

2,953

9,679

Marketing expenses

32,581

31,373

Other expenses

56,435

24,128

Total expenses

4,993,208

4,266,134

480,650

71,603

Surplus before investment movements Investment gains / (losses) Profit on sale of investments

6

(9,583)

116,532

Net fair value gains / (losses) on investments

6

52,637

(297,039)

Total investments gains / (losses)

43,054

(180,507)

(Deficit) / Surplus for the year

523,704

(108,904)

−

−

523,704

(108,904)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

The above statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 47

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2023 Notes

2023 $

2022 $

Cash and cash equivalents

4

3,427,039

3,859,340

Trade and other receivables

5

27,466

51,646

Financial assets

6

3,244,771

2,067,796

237,873

96,963

6,937,149

6,075,745

ASSETS Current Assets

Prepayments Total Current Assets Non-current Assets Financial assets

6

81,793

169,262

Property, plant and equipment

7

53,601

93,323

Right of use assets

8

478,610

92,118

614,004

354,703

7,551,153

6,430,448

Total Non-current Assets Total Assets LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables

9

474,422

423,519

Provisions

10

125,781

95,122

2,864,218

2,703,275

Income received in advance Lease liabilities

73,656

121,436

3,538,077

3,343,352

70,094

71,628

Lease liabilities

403,810

−

Total Non-current Liabilities

473,904

71,628

Total liabilities

4,011,981

3,414,980

Net Assets

3,539,172

3,015,468

Total Current Liabilities Non-current Liabilities Provisions

10

EQUITY Accumulated surplus Members indemnity insurance reserve Total Equity

3,539,172

2,805,468

−

210,000

3,539,172

3,015,468

11

The above statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

48 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

FINANCIALS

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 Accumulated Surplus $

Reserves $

Total Equity $

Balance at 1 July 2021

2,914,372

210,000

3,124,372

Deficit for the year

(108,904)

−

(108,904)

Balance at 30 June 2022

2,805,468

210,000

3,015,468

Balance at 1 July 2022

2,805,468

210,000

3,015,468

Surplus for the year

523,704

−

523,704

Transfer to Accumulated Surplus

210,000

(210,000)

−

3,539,172

−

3,539,172

Balance at 30 June 2023

The above statement of changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 49

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 2023 $

2022 $

6,086,204

5,377,989

Dividends received

61,054

50,365

Interest received

52,990

4,115

Interest paid on lease liabilities

(2,953)

(9,679)

(5,210,515)

(4,289,889)

(231,530)

(169,696)

755,250

963,205

Proceeds from investments

219,721

526,297

Payments for investments

(1,266,173)

(692,084)

(10,408)

(39,560)

Cash flows from Operating Activities

Note

Receipts from operations

Payments to suppliers and employees Net GST paid Net cash provided by operating activities

17

Cash flows from Investing Activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment

(1,056,860)

(205,347)

Repayment of lease liabilities

(130,691)

(121,235)

Net cash used in financing activities

(130,691)

(121,235)

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents held

(432,301)

636,623

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

3,859,340

3,222,717

3,427,039

3,859,340

Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities

Cash flows from Financing Activities

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

4

The above statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

50 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

Note 1. Significant accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

New, revised or amending Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted The company has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’) that are mandatory for the current reporting period. The adoption of these Accounting Standards and Interpretations did not have any significant impact on the company.

Basis of preparation These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards - Simplified Disclosures issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’), the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and the Corporations Act 2001, as appropriate for not-for-profit oriented entities.

AASB 1060 General Purpose Financial Statements Simplified Disclosures for For-Profit and Not-for-Profit Tier 2 Entities The standard provides a Tier 2 reporting framework with simplified disclosures that are based on the requirements of IFRS for SMEs.

Historical cost convention The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Critical accounting estimates The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 2.

Revenue recognition The company recognises revenue as follows:

Revenue from contracts with customers (member subscriptions, sponsorship income, event revenue, advertising income, education registrations) Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company is expected to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. For each contract with a customer, the company: identifies the contract with a customer; identifies the performance obligations in the contract; determines the transaction price which takes into account estimates of

variable consideration and the time value of money; allocates the transaction price to the separate performance obligations on the basis of the relative stand-alone selling price of each distinct good or service to be delivered; and recognises revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied in a manner that depicts the transfer to the customer of the goods or services promised.

Variable consideration within the transaction price, if any, reflects concessions provided to the customer such as discounts, rebates and refunds, any potential bonuses receivable from the customer and any other contingent events. Such estimates are determined using either the ‘expected value’ or ‘most likely amount’ method.

The measurement of variable consideration is subject to a constraining principle whereby revenue will only be recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur. The measurement constraint continues until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Amounts received that are subject to the constraining principle are recognised as a refund liability.

Interest Interest revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method, which for floating rate financial assets is the rate inherent in the instrument.

Dividend revenue Dividend revenue is recognised when the right to receive a dividend has been established.

Other revenue Other revenue is recognised when it is received or when the right to receive payment is established.

Income tax As the company is a charitable institution in terms of subsection 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, as amended, it is exempt from paying income tax.

Current and non-current classification Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non-current classification.

An asset is classified as current when: it is either expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in the company’s normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realised within 12 months after the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other assets are classified as noncurrent.

A liability is classified as current when: it is either expected to be settled in the company’s normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due to be settled

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 51

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

Note 1. Significant accounting policies

Note 1. Significant accounting policies

within 12 months after the reporting period; or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other liabilities are classified as non-current.

Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Trade and other receivables Other receivables are recognised at amortised cost, less any allowance for expected credit losses.

Financial Assets The company classifies its financial assets between current and non-current assets based on the purpose for which the assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

The company assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. All financial assets except those measured at fair value through profit or loss are subject to annual review for impairment.

Impairment of financial assets At the end of each reporting period the company assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. All financial assets, except those measured at fair value through the Statement of Profit or loss and other comprehensive Income, are subject to annual review for impairment.

In order to determine an appropriate fair value as at 30 June 2023 for its portfolio of financial assets, the company used the market value of investments held.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Equity instruments (managed investment portfolio) that are held for trading as well as derivative instruments are classified as fair value through profit or loss.

Other financial assets are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss unless they are measured at amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income.

Property, plant and equipment Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

52 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property, plant and equipment (excluding land) over their expected useful lives as follows: Office equipment Leasehold improvements

3 – 5 years 5 years

The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the company. Gains and losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to the statement of profit or loss.

Right of use assets A right-of-use asset is recognised at the commencement date of a lease. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for, as applicable, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date net of any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred, and, except where included in the cost of inventories, an estimate of costs expected to be incurred for dismantling and removing the underlying asset, and restoring the site or asset.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset, whichever is the shorter. Where the Company expects to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the depreciation is over its estimated useful life. Right-of-use assets are subject to impairment or adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities.

Impairment of non-financial assets Non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

Recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. The value-in-use is the present value of the estimated future cash flows relating to the asset using a pre-tax discount rate specific to the asset or cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Assets that do not have independent cash flows are grouped together to form a cash-generating unit.

Trade and other payables These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the company prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature, they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Employee benefits

Fair value measurement

Short-term employee benefits

When an asset or liability, financial or non-financial, is measured at fair value for recognition or disclosure purposes, the fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; and assumes that the transaction will take place either: in the principal market; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market.

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and long service leave expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.

Other long-term employee benefits The liability for annual leave and long service leave not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

Defined contribution superannuation expense Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Lease liabilities A lease liability is recognised at the commencement date of a lease. The lease liability is initially recognised at the present value of the lease payments to be made over the term of the lease, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments comprise of fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees, exercise price of a purchase option when the exercise of the option is reasonably certain to occur, and any anticipated termination penalties. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Fair value is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming they act in their economic best interests.

For non-financial assets, the fair value measurement is based on its highest and best use. Valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, are used, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses, and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the tax authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of the acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the statement of financial position.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

Lease liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amounts are remeasured if there is a change in the following: future lease payments arising from a change in an index, or a rate used; residual guarantee; lease term; certainty of a purchase option and termination penalties. When a lease liability is remeasured, an adjustment is made to the corresponding right-of use asset, or to profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is fully written down.

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

Note 1. Significant accounting policies

Note 2. Critical accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Note 2. Critical accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Management bases its judgements, estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on other various factors, including expectations of future events, management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting judgements and estimates will seldom equal the related actual results. The judgements, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities (refer to the respective notes) within the next financial year are discussed below.

Estimation of useful lives of assets The company determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation charges for its property, plant and equipment. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations or some other event. The depreciation charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down.

Impairment of non-financial assets other than goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets The company assesses impairment of non-financial assets other than goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the company and to the particular asset that may lead to impairment. If an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. This involves fair value less costs of disposal or value-in-use calculations, which incorporate a number of key estimates and assumptions.

Lease term The lease term is a significant component in the measurement of both the right-of-use asset and lease liability.

Judgement is exercised in determining whether there is reasonable certainty that an option to extend the lease or purchase the underlying asset will be exercised, or an option to terminate the lease will not be exercised, when ascertaining the periods to be included in the lease term.

In determining the lease term, all facts and circumstances that create an economical incentive to exercise an extension option, or not to exercise a termination option, are considered at the lease commencement date. Factors considered may include the importance of the asset to the company’s operations; comparison of terms and conditions to prevailing market rates; incurrence of significant penalties;

54 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

existence of significant leasehold improvements; and the costs and disruption to replace the asset. The company reassesses whether it is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option, if there is a significant event or significant change in circumstances.

Incremental borrowing rate Where the interest rate implicit in a lease cannot be readily determined, an incremental borrowing rate is estimated to discount future lease payments to measure the present value of the lease liability at the lease commencement date. Such a rate is based on what the company estimates it would have to pay a third party to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the rightof-use asset, with similar terms, security, and economic environment.

Employee benefits provision As discussed in note 1, the liability for employee benefits expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date are recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows to be made in respect of all employees at the reporting date. In determining the present value of the liability, estimates of attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account.

Lease make good provision A provision has been made for the present value of anticipated costs for future restoration of leased premises.

The provision includes future cost estimates associated with closure of the premises. The calculation of this provision requires assumptions such as application of closure dates and cost estimates. The provision recognised is periodically reviewed and updated based on the facts and circumstances available at the time.

Changes to the estimated future costs for sites are recognised in the statement of financial position by adjusting the asset and the provision. Reductions in the provision that exceed the carrying amount of the asset will be recognised in profit or loss.

Note 3. Revenue

2023 $

2022 $

Member subscriptions

3,655,415

2,984,110

Sponsorship income

384,368

270,977

Event income

1,183,524

954,120

Advertising income

60,467

61,841

Interest income

52,990

4,115

Dividends and distributions

61,054

50,365

Sundry income

76,040

12,209

5,473,858

4,337,737

Note 4. Cash and Cash Equivalents

2023 $

2022 $

153

500

Cash on hand

3,333,502

3,799,783

Cash at bank

93,384

59,057

3,427,039

3,859,340

Current

Note 5. Trade and Other Receivables

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

Note 3. Revenue / Note 4. Cash and Cash Equivalents / Note 5. Trade and Other Receivables / Note 6. Financial Assets

2023 $

2022 $

Current Trade debtors

26,466

12,936

Other receivable

1,000

38,710

27,466

51,646

Note 6. Financial Assets

2023 $

2022 $

Current Managed investment portfolio

1,519,750

1,455,852

Term deposits

1,725,021

611,944

3,244,771

2,067,796

81,793

169,262

Non-current Term deposits restricted * * Non-current term deposits are restricted assets in the form of bank guarantees held.

Movements in carrying amounts Movement in the carrying amounts for managed investment portfolio between the beginning and the end of the current financial year: $

Balance at 1 July 2022

1,455,852

Purchases during the year

240,565

Disposal (Proceeds)

(219,721)

Net profit on sales

(9,583)

Net fair value gains / (losses) on investments

52,637

Balance at 30 June 2023

1,519,750

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 55

Note 7. Property, plant and equipment / Note 8. Right of use assets

Note 7. Property, plant and equipment 2023 $

Non-current

2022 $

Leasehold improvements - at cost

171,014

171,014

Less: Accumulated depreciation

(159,655)

(126,847)

11,359

44,167

Office equipment - at cost

136,482

126,073

Less: Accumulated depreciation

(94,240)

(76,917)

42,242

49,156

53,601

93,323

Movements in carrying amounts Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and the end of the current financial year: Leasehold Improvements $

Balance at 1 July 2022 Additions Depreciation expense

44,167

Office Equipment $

49,156

Total $

93,323

-

10,408

10,408

(32,808)

(17,322)

(50,130)

11,359

42,242

53,601

Note 8. Right of use assets Non-current

2023 $

2022 $

Right of use asset – property lease

486,722

502,458

Less: Accumulated amortisation

(8,112)

(410,340)

478,610

92,118

Movements in carrying amounts Movement in the carrying amounts of each right of use asset between the beginning and the end of the current financial year: 2023 $

2022 $

Balance at 1 July

92,118

192,609

Additions

486,721

-

Amortisation expense

(100,229)

(100,491)

Balance at 30 June

478,610

92,118

The Company has leased offices at Level 2, 93-95 Queen Street, Melbourne for a 5-year term from 1 June 2023.

56 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

Note 9. Trade and Other Payables 2023 $

2022 $

Trade creditors

74,054

93,564

Accrued expenses

138,525

62,765

GST payable

257,955

209,041

Other payables

3,888

58,149

474,422

423,519

2023 $

2022 $

Non-current

Note 10. Provisions Current Provision for Annual leave

97,314

84,585

Provision for Long service leave

28,467

10,537

125,781

95,122

Non-current Provision for make good - leased premise

42,200

42,200

Provision for Long service leave

27,894

29,428

70,094

71,628

–

210,000

Note 11. Reserves Members indemnity insurance reserve

The Company established a reserve for future potential insurance premium increases. During the year this reserve was transferred to accumulated surplus within equity. No specific funds were isolated to support this reserve. The requirement for reserve no longer exists as funds would be sourced from general working capital if required.

Total Reserves $

Movement in reserves Opening balance at start of financial year

210,000

Transfer to accumulated surplus

(210,000)

–

Closing balance at end of financial year

Note 12. Related parties and related party transactions

Directors’ compensation The directors act in an honorary capacity and receive no compensation for their services other than honorarium claims.

2023 $

Short-term benefits – honorarium claims

6,174

2022 $

3,150

Key management personnel compensation The aggregate compensation made to members of key management personnel (other than directors) of the company is set out below: Aggregate compensation

427,073

294,464

Transactions with related parties Other than amounts paid to key management personnel there were no transactions with related parties during the current and previous financial year.

Receivable from and payable to related parties There were no trade receivables from or trade payables to related parties at the current and previous reporting date.

Loans to/from related parties There were no loans to or from related parties at the current and previous reporting date.

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

Note 9. Trade and Other Payables / Note 10. Provisions/ Note 11. Reserves / Note 12. Related parties and related party transactions

Note 13. Remuneration of auditors /Note 14. Contingent liabilities / Note 15. Commitments / Note 16. Events subsequent to the end of the financial year/ Note 17. Reconciliation of result for the year to net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities

Note 13. Remuneration of auditors During the financial year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by DFK Kidsons Partnership, the auditor of the company:

Audit services – DFK Kidsons Partnership Audit of the financial statements

2023 $

2022 $

17,600

16,000

Payable – minimum payments

2023 $

2022 $

Not later than 1 year

88,768

92,928

Between 1 and 5 years

351,304

15,072

440,072

108,000

Note 14. Contingent liabilities The company had no contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022.

Note 15. Commitments Other commitments for expenditure (including journal publishing)

Note 16. Events subsequent to the end of the financial year Mr Tony Coles has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. Tony’s official start date will be 25 September 2023.

No other matters or circumstances have arisen since 30 June 2023 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the company’s operations, the results of those operations, or the company’s state of affairs in future financial years.

Note 17. Reconciliation of result for the year to net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities 2023 $

Comprehensive result for the year

2022 $

523,704

(108,904)

Depreciation and amortisation

150,359

148,112

Unrealised (gain) / loss of financial assets

(43,054)

180,507

(Increase)/decrease in receivables

24,180

(26,910)

(Increase)/decrease in prepayments

(140,910)

(31,023)

Non-Cash Movements

Movements in assets & liabilities

Increase/(decrease) in payables

50,903

181,791

Increase/(decrease) in prepaid income

160,943

621,164

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

29,125

(1,532)

755,250

963,205

Net Cash Inflow in Operating Activities

58 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

Directors’ Declaration In the directors’ opinion: • the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Corporations Act 2001, the Australian Accounting Standards - Simplified Disclosures, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements; • the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the company’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and • there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of directors made pursuant to section 295(5)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the directors

Ian Schroen Director

Alexandra Bell Director

12 September 2023 Melbourne

12 September 2023 Melbourne

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

| 59

Independent Auditor’s Report

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AUSTRALASIAN SONOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION LTD Opinion We have audited the financial report of Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2023, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors' declaration.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of Australasian Sonographers Association Ltd, is in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, including: (a) giving a true and fair view of the company's financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of its financial performance for the year then ended; and (b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013.

Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board's APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards - Simplified Disclosures and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company's financial reporting process.

60 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: •

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

•

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control.

•

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.

•

Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.

•

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

DFK Kidsons Partnership Chartered Accountants

Michael L Port Partner

Melbourne 12 September 2023

MONTH 2015

Page 2

ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23

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RADIOLOGY ACROSS BORDERS The ASA is a major partner of RAB and together we are working to create a healthier world through sonographer expertise.

ASA is committed to advancing learning opportunities for those performing ultrasound, particularly in less developed communities for improved health outcomes.

Level 2, 93–95 Queen Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia T +61 3 9552 0000 W www.sonographers.org 62 | ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2022–23