Category Archives: AASW Policy and Strategy

The case against AASW constitutional changes: why and how to vote NO

Posted on October 16, 2018 by vittorio1

The AASW, in an email broadcast is claiming that this blog post contains “false information” and “alternative facts”. I find this deeply hurtful. I am strongly committed to our code of ethics, social justice and participatory democracy. I will let … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy | 7 Comments

Podcast episode 12: crisis – what crisis?… an interview with social work academic Shirley Ledger on the place of field education in social work

Posted on August 17, 2018 by vittorio1

Shirley Ledger started her working life as an enrolled nurse in a small hospital in rural Queensland. Realising that nursing was not for her she became involved in youth work and domestic violence services. Years later ironically, she found herself … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy, podcast, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Why aren’t more social work students joining the AASW?

Posted on August 11, 2017 by vittorio1

 This year there are approximately 14,500 students enrolled in social work across Australia; a staggering number! (the entire membership of the AASW is only 10,000). In 2017 we can expect around 1,200 graduates from qualifying masters programs, and 1,700 from … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Election 2017, AASW Policy and Strategy, Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Waiting for a paradigm shift: How the AASW and universities could do more for social work students

Posted on July 7, 2017 by vittorio1

As a major employer of social workers, I have spoken to countless new graduates and  students on placement. Sadly, I have heard too many stories of placements gone wrong. Even worse, some students have told me that they set aside … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy, Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Social workers in private practice: Why the AASW should be doing more for them

Posted on May 1, 2017 by vittorio1

The world of work has changed significantly in the last 25 years. Permanent employment is declining and casual and part time work are on the rise. Outsourcing is fashionable, and markets (we are told) can deliver whatever we need. Trade … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy | 23 Comments

Can a corporation be socially responsible: some ethical and moral challenges for the AASW

Posted on March 20, 2017 by vittorio1

The use of the word “corporation” in the same sentence as “social responsibility” usually conjures up cartoon-like images of global pharmaceutical firms or telecommunication giants being caught behaving immorally. But even small non- profit professional associations are not immune to … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy | 7 Comments

Measuring the value of AASW membership: a story of hidden potential

Posted on February 12, 2017 by vittorio1

The real value of membership organisations is not in the knowledge they hold, but in the relationships they nurture. Cast your mind back to Australian social work in the 1950’s; specifically to the emerging group of hospital almoners in Sydney, … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy | 1 Comment

AASW announces a record profit: an analysis of the financial statement and some strategic implications

Posted on November 12, 2016 by vittorio1

Record Profit I took a look at the AASW financial statements for the past few years to bring you a summary of some of the salient features. (Note that references to a particular year mean financial year. For example 2016 … Continue reading →

Posted in AASW Policy and Strategy | Leave a comment