What We Do
ATSI (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) issues
This is a page for resources and information about the AASW’s position and engagement on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people.
The AASW has an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Workers National Committee (ATSI).
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" is the term preferred by these members to refer collectively to Indigenous people and so is now used throughout AASW publications. Older publications use “Indigenous” or “Aboriginal” or other terms.
2004 AASW Statement of Apology
The AASW issued a statement in 2004 apologising for past wrongs committed against ATSI peoples, including the role of social work in these wrongs. Click here to read the statement here.
ATSI social policy issues
The AASW has engaged in policy issues and presented submissions on a range of relevant issues. For example, the AASW endorsed the ACOSS position on the NT intervention in 2007, and presented to the Senate Community Affairs Committee in 2009. The AASW has opposed income management. The AASW also has position statements on Indigenous health and Indigenous education and training.
Connections to other organisations
NCATSISWA: The AASW has close relations with the National Coalition or Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Social Workers Association.
IAHA (Indigenous Allied Health Australia): The AASW has supported the creation of IAHA and provided a statement of support which you can read here. ATSI Committee member Kylie Stothers is a member of the IAHA Committee of Management. Click here for their website and here for the AASW statement of support.
Racism Roundtable (coming soon).