Podcasts
Social work podcasts
Welcome to the AASW podcast space. In each recording, we delve into the key issues impacting social workers across Australia, from frontline practice and policy developments to workforce challenges and professional wellbeing. Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or advocate, this podcast is your space to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the broader social work community.
Listen to the latest recordings
Looking Ahead: How Social Workers are Shaping the Future of Mental Health
Recorded 23 September 2025
In this episode, we bring you highlights from our 23 September 2025 webinar, Looking Ahead: How Social Workers are Shaping the Future of Mental Health, featuring a panel of expert voices from across the sector.
Tune in as our speakers, Emma Shearer from Headspace, social worker and education consultant Rachel Higginson, and Laura Fletcher from Grand Pacific Health, lead an important conversation on the role of social workers in prevention, early intervention, and building strong, connected communities.
Together, we explore:
What’s working well in the mental health space today
The changes needed to ensure earlier, more accessible support
How social workers are shaping sustainable systems of care
Insights from the Q&A session with our audience
This discussion reflects on how we can collectively support one another to shape a future where mental health care is timely, equitable, and lasting.
National Disability Insurance Scheme: what we are doing to support you
Recorded 2 September 2025
In this episode, we bring you highlights from our 2 September 2025 webinar, National Disability Insurance Scheme, what we are doing to support you, featuring AASW leaders and the AASW National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Working Group.
Tune in as we explore:
- Recent advocacy with the NDIA and government
- Evidence on the effectiveness of social workers in disability and the NDIS
- AASW’s campaign to raise awareness of social workers in the NDIS
- New resources currently in development
Pushing for change: national registration
Recorded 14 May 2025
In this episode, Matt Loads shares some information from the AASW Webinar: Pushing for Change: National Registration from 14 May 2025.
Dominic Szeker, Senior Policy Officer, AASW shares an overview of how registration for social workers fits into the broader regulatory context.
Jim Arneman, ACT Ambulance Service, takes us through a case study of how paramedics were able to become a nationally registered profession in 2018.
Access the slides here.
You can listen to our podcast on these platforms.
Email us at [email protected] if you have suggestions and ideas for future episodes.