Category Archives: Social Policy

Podcast episode 15: Work- what is it good for? A conversation with Nick Smith, Professor of Philosophy at Macquarie University

I sought out Nick Smith for this conversation because of my interest in the future of work. Nick has recently co-authored a book entitled The Return of Work in Critical Theory According to the blurb, “The book presents a bold … Continue reading

Posted in podcast, Social Policy, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Podcast episode 9: What’s wrong with child protection policy and practice? an interview with social worker, Tony Tonkin, founder of the Child Protection Party

Tony Tonkin is the founder of the Child Protection Party in South Australia.  the Party is about to go national. We talk about the party and its purpose- but this is also a deeply personal interview. Tony came to social … Continue reading

Posted in podcast, Politics, Social Policy, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Podcast episode 7: counselling and psychotherapy with older people in care- an interview with social worker, Felicity Chapman

This podcast features an interview with social worker Felicity Chapman. Felicity combines a private practice of counselling, training and consulting as well as being a sessional lecturer and tutor at the University of Adelaide, in their Graduate Program of Counselling … Continue reading

Posted in podcast, Private Practice, Social Policy, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Podcast Episode 5: Extra relational sex and the gay male couple- exploring the therapeutic terrain

Episode 5 is an interview with Sydney social worker, Paul Andrews. Arising out of his work with gay male couples, Paul did a major piece of qualitative research in order to better understand how gay couples in committed relationships negotiated … Continue reading

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Aged Care: opportunities for social work to make a difference

Building an Integrated Practice in the Private Sector By Lynne Harrold The community aged care sector for older adults is growing exponentially and will continue to do so as our population ages. The facts are there and the projections are … Continue reading

Posted in AASW Election 2017, Ethics, Private Practice, Social Policy | 1 Comment

The NDIS: ethics, dignity and choice: some dilemmas for social workers

Let me frame this piece by stating unequivocally that the NDIS is a genuine capacity building initiative and a great social good. Its current target is to improve the lives of 460,000 Australians with individual funding packages, to help them … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Social Policy | 12 Comments

Rethinking Values & Ethics in Social Work : a book review

Social workers who wish to explore the ethical dilemmas in achieving universal human rights would do well to watch the 2012 Steven Spielberg film, Lincoln. With the American Civil War winding to a close in 1865, President Lincoln, fearful that … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Social Policy | 6 Comments

Five reasons why workplace bullies survive and thrive: And what we can do about it

In 2015, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons went through a serious soul searching exercise following some alarming reports of bullying in the profession. The College commissioned an independent report that contained shocking findings. These included, 49% of Fellows, trainees … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Social Policy, Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Living in dystopia: ten tips for reconnecting the personal and the political

Heading into town, by the fire sign, up ahead one mile Mum and naked child by the highway Flash four-wheel drive, I only want a ride to the other side. Don’t try and hide behind your window I bet your weekly wage … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

The death of Chloe Valentine: the future of professional social work in child protection

In January 2012, four year old Chloe Valentine died in appalling circumstances at the hands of her mother and her mother’s partner. Both were found guilty of manslaughter and jailed. During her short life Chloe was the subject of many … Continue reading

Posted in Social Policy, Uncategorized | 7 Comments