Author Archives: vittorio1

Social work membership: the guardians at the gate

On October 4th I published the following post from Louise Whitfield Hi Vittorio . I am impressed with your views on self regulation, connection and alliance. I previously was a member of the AASW for five years. My qualifications are … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Education and workforce planning: a social good or a commodity?

Last month the Abbott Government wound up Health Workforce Australia sending a very clear signal that it believes planning is…well..overrated. Welcome to the world of  deregulation and smaller government. Marketised environments are by their nature, fragmented, competitive (even when co-operation … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy | Leave a comment

The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme: a never-ending story

In April, the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) announced a  review of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS). Former director of WA Health Kim Snowball was appointed to independently lead the review. Mr Snowball has held a variety … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy | 1 Comment

AASW position paper on aged care: Is there a right to dignity and shelter?

If you were interested in my post on who pays for nursing home care, you might also want to read the AASW position paper, Ageing in Australia. It takes a human rights perspective and is written with care and compassion. … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy | Leave a comment

Who pays for nursing home care? And why is the cost linked to real estate values?

If our government tells us it will be reforming something in order to make it sustainable, improve access, provide more choice and improve quality – be afraid. No- this is not a piece about higher education “reform”; it is about … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy | Leave a comment

Why I have joined the Greens

Why I have joined the Greens Civil society seems to be in rapid decline. The opportunity to drink alcohol, gamble, borrow money, eat junk food has now expanded to 24/7. Welcome to the freedom to buy whatever you want, whenever … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Leave a comment

Tony Abbott, the Pope, the Greens and maternity leave

I originally posted the piece below 12 months ago. It remains relevant today.  It looks like Tony Abbott will be wedged by a big business friendly Senate that values profit above family and community. An ex-Pope, the Greens and Tony … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy | Leave a comment