AASW - Australian Association of Social Workers

On behalf of the AASW Board, I am delighted to announce that Glenys Wilkinson has been appointed to the position of AASW CEO. Glenys holds Undergraduate and Master’s level qualifications in Social Work and is currently completing a Master of Organisational Dynamics. She is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Australian Institute of Managers.

MEDIA RELEASE:

The Australian Association of Social Workers is committed to creating a more just society. The AASW welcomes many of the initiatives announced by the Treasurer Wayne Swan in the 2012-2013 Federal Budget as contributing to greater equality and quality of life for many Australians, and enhanced work conditions for some of the health and community services who work with them. Read the full media release.

Last week the Board announced its decision to abolish the 2009 Code of Conduct which the Board recognised as profoundly unsafe to members, staff and stakeholders. The Board considered there had to be a better way to achieve its objectives to manage office holder disputes and support positive office holder service to the AASW. A Task Force under the auspices of the Board Governance Committee will be established in the coming weeks to consult with members to formulate policy improvements.

It is with regret that we record that Glenice Garvie has decided to step down from the Board. This has created the opportunity for the Board to engage in an AASW wide consultation with various national and branch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander committees and working groups.

Over the weekend of 27 to 29 April the Board and Branch Presidents joined for a meeting in Queanbeyan, NSW to develop and debate the future directions of the AASW.

It’s now time to renew your AASW membership!
Each member will soon receive a letter from the National President Karen Healy formally inviting you to renew your membership. But there’s no need to wait, you can renew now online or by phoning our Membership team. If you renew and pay by 30 June, you will receive the great earlybird discount we offer. In the 2011/2012 year we have so far reached a record membership number of 6908 members, and we look forward to you joining our vibrant and growing organisation for the next year.

The Research Committee is seeking EOIs from suitably qualified and experienced practitioners and academics who have a passion for research and who are able to commit time to a monthly meeting, and to working on projects in between these times.

Dear Members,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Board has filled the three vacant positions on the National Board with excellent candidates. Earlier this month, I began a round of broad consultation and invited each of our nine Branch Presidents to nominate candidates to fill these positions under the AASW Constitutional Casual Vacancy rules (Clause G8). I am pleased to advise that several highly capable members were nominated demonstrating the depth of capabilities that exists in the AASW.

Every Australian Counts is an Australia-wide people’s campaign demanding the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as recommended by the Productivity Commission.
Many AASW members provide a wide range of disability support services. The Association has registered to be a Supporter of the campaign and has outlined its support to introduce an NDIS in a submission to the Productivity Commission (April 2011). The AASW also articulated support of the NDIS in the Disability Position Paper, July 2011. Individual members can also be involved in the campaign by supporting the ‘Rally to Make the NDIS Real in 2012’. Click here to visit the Every Australian Counts for more information.

Dear Members

I write to advise members that Vittorio Cintio and Brian Wooller have resigned from the AASW Board of Directors.
On behalf of the Board, I acknowledge and thank Vittorio and Brian for their many years of service to the Board and the AASW. Vittorio is well known to many members for his interest in social work education initiatives and in health service provision. Brian has been a strong advocate for social work in Western Australia and has been a member of both the SPSW and the AASW. The Board is planning to fill the casual vacancies on the Board in coming weeks and will advise members of the outcome shortly thereafter.
Professor Karen Healy, National President