AASW responds to SA Government decision on Social Workers Registration Scheme

20 June 2026

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is disappointed by the South Australian Government’s decision not to proceed with the Social Workers Registration Scheme in that state. 

We know this decision will be surprising and disheartening for many social workers across South Australia who have invested significant time and effort in preparing for the scheme’s commencement.

The AASW leads the social work profession in Australia and is the professional regulatory body.

The AASW also acknowledges the work undertaken by the South Australian Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) office. The AASW has worked closely with the SWRB Board, reflecting a shared commitment to high standards of practice, education and community safety.

The AASW recognises that the regulation of social workers is a significant issue for both the profession and the communities we serve. 

The AASW has a critical role in maintaining and strengthening professional standards. Members expect the AASW to safeguard the profession’s integrity, ensuring that qualifications, ethics, and practice standards remain strong. This priority is foundational; without it, the profession risks being diluted or undervalued.

The AASW Board is committed to leading a national conversation on key professional issues, including our scope of practice and regulation, which are complex issues affecting social workers across diverse roles and practice settings.  The Board recognises that any approach to regulation must reflect this diversity. Across Australian social workers, there is currently no clear understanding of the complexities and options regarding professional regulation.

We will engage closely with members to inform future directions. This will include exploring different models of regulation, such as government-mandated registration, self-regulation, or alternative approaches that centre social work leadership in the design and governance of any framework.

The Board and the executive of the AASW have recently restructured the organisation to provide a clear focus on professional standards and regulation and created a new executive leadership role to advance this work.

Looking ahead, the AASW remains committed to protecting the public, strengthening professional standards and supporting high-quality social work practice. We will continue to lead an inclusive, transparent national conversation on regulation that reflects the expertise and diversity of the profession.