Society information

Members of the following groups can receive an individual print subscription to Australian Social Work at a special society member rate.

• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) - AUS$112 (Quote: XD13701W)
  
• Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) - AUS$116 (Quote: XD13702W)
  
• Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) - AUS$112 (Quote: XD13701W)
  

Contact

+44 (0)20 7017 5543

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

The AASW is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia. It was formed in 1946 at the federal level, although a number of state branches had formed prior to this. It has a code of ethics which contains a set of principles agreed to by all members. These principles guide all social work practice.

The code stresses the importance of working in the best interest of the client and of keeping each clients affairs confidential, except where there are overriding legal, moral or ethical reasons.

Objectives of the AASW:

• To promote the profession of social work.
• To provide an organisation through which social workers can develop a professional identity.
• To establish, monitor and improve practice standards.
• To contribute to the development of social work knowledge and research.
• To advocate on behalf of clients.
• To actively support social structures and policies pursuant to the promotion of social justice.

Definition of social work [adopted at the June 1997 Board of Directors meeting]

Social work is the profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the enhancement of the quality of life and the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. Social workers pursue these goals by working to address the barriers, inequalities, and injustices that exist in society, and by active involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis. This is done by working with individuals towards the realisation of their intellectual, physical and emotional potentials, and by working with individuals, groups and communities in the pursuit and achievement of equitable access to social, economic and political resources. Social workers also pursue their goals:

• Through involvement in research, policy development and analysis, consultancy, and management.
• Work with individuals, groups and communities to shape and change the conditions in which they live.
• Advocate for disadvantaged members of society.
• Work towards the elimination of structural inequalities in society to facilitate a more equitable distribution of resources.
• Engage in research