Acknowledgement of Country

The Social Workers Registration Board of South Australia (SWRB SA) acknowledges that the land we work on is the traditional lands of Aboriginal peoples and we pay our respects to elders, past and present. The SWRB SA acknowledges and respects that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Nations people of this country and recognises them as traditional owners and occupants of Australian land and waters. The SWRB SA acknowledges the violence of the colonial past and social work’s part in this history and the impacts colonisation continues to have on First Nations people. The SWRB SA acknowledges the strong and enduring connection to land and culture for First Nations people.

From the Presiding Member

We are well and truly into the new year, and our work with the Board is gaining momentum towards launching the social worker registration scheme.

It is a busy time for the SWRB office staff, and the Board continue to support their work and stakeholder engagement across the three key pillars of registration, investigation and quality practice. The Board is also working through approvals for delegations and the establishment of committees. 

There is significant due diligence still being conducted across impacted sectors which takes time, and we thank you all for your patience. We hope to be able to share further information with you soon in line with government processes.

From the Director

I know the sector is keen to hear and understand details around definitions that will inform registration requirements.

We have been working closely with key stakeholders as we navigate workforce impacts, high-risk work, qualifications and public safety. Achieving balance is complex, and we are appreciative of the time and effort from all stakeholders who are dedicated to ensuring we get the process right.

We understand the implementation of an inaugural scheme such as this will take time, and this will be considered as part of the impending roll-out.

In recent weeks, the SWRB has held discussions with the Youth Affairs Council of South Australia, Drug and Alcohol Services SA, and Mission Australia. We appreciate organisations reaching out to better understand the role of the SWRB and discuss challenges with a positive and solution-focused approach.

These discussions have deepened our understanding of the impacts on specific services and roles within the sector. Our office is committed to working with all relevant agencies to understand and mitigate any adverse impacts on frontline services and ensure our team remains fully apprised of all aspects of the delivery of human services in South Australia.

Social work registration also provides opportunities to start thinking about future education possibilities.  As part of our efforts to ensure social work education prepares graduates with the practical knowledge and necessary skills for success, we also recently met with the Australian Council of Heads of Social Work Education, the National Field Education Network, and the Australian Association of Social Workers. This is a key part of our mission to uplift the profession.

YACSA consultation: L to R:  Sarah Wendt (SWRB), Doug Werchon (YACSA), Louise Butler (SWRB), Tamsin Anspach (YACSA).  

Happy World Social Work Day!

It was an honour to hear from April Lawrie (Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People) at the AASW World Social Work Day breakfast this morning speaking on the theme of Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing.

A key takeaway from the presentation that April shared is the importance of a positive sense of personal and cultural identity in Aboriginal children and young people.  

AASW Breakfast:   L to R:  Jackie Bray (DCP), Cindy Smith (AASW), Sarah Wendt (SWRB), April Lawrie (CACYP). Photo credit:  Jack Parker 

AASW Breakfast L to R:  Sarah Wendt (SWRB), Carmela Bastian (SWRB), Cindy Smith (AASW), Jodie Stevens (SWRB), Louise Butler (SWRB) Cathy Brook (AASW). Photo credit: Jack Parker 

Question of the month

What is the role of a Social Work Regulator? 

A social worker regulator plays a crucial role in overseeing the practice of social work to ensure that professionals meet the highest standards of competence, ethics, and accountability. The primary responsibility is to protect the public by regulating the social work profession through establishing, and oversight of qualifications and experience necessary for social workers to practice, ensuring quality education and skills to provide effective and ethical services.

A social work regulator also handles complaints and disciplinary actions, investigating allegations of professional misconduct or unethical behaviour. The regulator establishes and upholds a code of conduct and practice standards, guiding social workers in their day-to-day work. A social worker regulator helps maintain the integrity and reputation of the profession, ensuring that social workers act in the best interest of those they serve while fostering trust within the community.

Stay Connected

Visit our FAQ’s on the website:  swrb.sa.gov.au 

If you have any questions, email us on swrb@sa.gov.au.