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Media Releases

Journalists can contact the AASW Senior Manager for Communications on 0435 201 198 for background and comment, and to arrange an interview.

Date Subject
27.07.10 ALP Mental health announcement misses the mark.
The AASW is disappointed that the announcement by Prime Minister Gillard on mental health has failed to address the removal of social workers from the Better Access (Medicare) program.
03.06.10 Social workers unconvinced by responses to Senate Estimates on Mental Health
The AASW is deeply concerned at the responses to Senate Estimates hearings on the Budget changes to Social Work services under the Better Access to Mental Health Services program.
19.05.10 Social workers win Government reconsideration
Following productive discussions yesterday with Minister for Health and Ageing’s senior staff on the Medicare mental health program, the AASW welcomed the Government’s announcement to defer changes to the program until 1 April 2011.
12.05.10

Professor Pat McGorry joins AASW in condemning cuts to mental health services for low income, rural and regional Australians
Australian of the year Professor Patrick McGorry has condemned the decision to remove social workers and occupational therapists ability to offer mental health services under Medicare. The move will hurt thousands of Australians.

From July, many Australians with mental health issues who access these services will no longer be able to claim back the Medicare rebate currently available, which will frequently mean they are unable to afford the service.
13.04.10

Proposed Primary Health Care Organisations must involve all health professions

The Government's plan to establish Primary Health Care Organisations (PHCOs) has the potential to help Australians access health care services, but these will not be effective unless health consumers and allied health professionals are involved in setting them up, according to Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA). The AASW is a member of AHPA.
13.04.10

Government Health Funding: Rural scholarships great, but diabetes plan lacks allied health input

Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) has commended the Federal Government for its new funding initiatives to promote allied health in rural and regional areas but is disappointed with the lack of consultation over increased funding for diabetes care. The AASW is a member of AHPA.
6.04.10

Unregistered psychotherapists are a risk to vulnerable Australians.
The AASW has warmly welcomed the Federal Minister for Health’s response to ABC TV’s 4 Corners program on unlicensed and unregistered psychotherapists.
26.11.09 Income management plan does not help support low income Australians
The Federal Government’s plans to roll out income management across the country will stigmatise low income households and have unintended punitive consequences for vulnerable children and families.
10.11.09 Social Workers join ASU rally for community sector pay and conditions
AASW members will be joining the Australian Services Union Respect the Workers rally for better pay and conditions in the non Government sector in Victoria.
5.11.09

Queensland social work conference opens
The Bi-annual Queensland Social Work conference opens this Friday (November 6) at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast.
18.09.09 Social Workers part of solution to Vic child protection
Responding to the Victorian Ombudsman’s report and the revelations of a 30-year incest case, the AASW today called for a greater investment in the training and development of high quality staff, as well as a focus on prevention of child abuse and early intervention.
12.08.09 Social Work in the Hunter: 30 years young
The Hunter Branch of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) celebrates its 30th anniversary this week with a celebration dinner at Newcastle’s well known Noah’s on the Beach tomorrow (Thursday 13 August).
31.07.09

Social Workers at the heart of HNE health services
The Hunter Branch President of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) today expressed concern about claims that vacant allied health positions in Hunter New England Health services are being left unfilled with the potential risk that patients are discharged from hospital without adequate assessment and support services.
13.05.09

Budget response: some support but gaps remain
Responding to the Federal Budget, the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is pleased that some workforce issues have been addressed, but is concerned at the lack of similar strategies across all relevant government-funded programs.
30.04.09 COAG leadership on child wellbeing and protection is welcome
28.04.09 Social Workers welcome measures to reduce child abuse and neglect
17.03.09 Social Workers celebrate World Social Work Day
03.03.09 Response to the Wood Inquiry into child protection
18.02.09 Social Workers welcome Wood Inquiry but look for workforce strategy
25.11.08 AASW National Conference
07.10.08 Mandatory reporting of family violence in the NT won’t always help victims
07.10.08 AASW Letter to NT Department of Justice
11.09.08 Social Workers at the heart of child protection (National Child Protection Week)