7 March 2018

Welcome to the National e-Bulletin. In this edition, we issue a reminder to complete our member needs survey and our membership campaigns. In case you missed it from last fortnight's e-Bulletin, new notifiable data breach laws came into force on 22 February 2018. World Social Work Day is coming ever closer, we are pleased to see members downloading resources for their own celebrations.

We acknowledge two important events. Saturday marked the 40th Anniversary of Sydney's Mardi Gras, the first of which in 1978 was a landmark event for the human rights of LGBTI Australians. Tomorrow, 8 March, marks International Women's Day. Eighty per cent of the health care and social assistance industry workforce is made up of women: the highest of any industry in Australia.

 

Have a voice, make a difference

  

Members should have received an invitation to participate in the 2018 Member Needs and Satisfaction study. We are seeking your views in the areas of communication, continuing professional development, advocacy and social policy, member services and programs. Your contribution will enable us to innovate in these areas. Please contact membership@aasw.asn.au with any enquiries.
 

IMPORTANT: Notifiable data breaches

  

As we informed you in the last e-Bulletin, from Thursday 22 February 2018, businesses that keep data on their clients will need to inform the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and all of its affected clients if there is an ‘eligible data breach’ (a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm), also known as being "hacked". 

Read More...
 

#SocialWorkDayAU - raise awareness

  

World Social Work Day photo with sky, mountains and lakes and people

Are you ready to trend on Facebook and Twitter on World Social Work Day at 12pm AESDT on Tuesday, 20 March?

Sign up your Facebook and Twitter account now to our Thunderclap campaign, which automatically posts on your behalf on World Social Work Day to make sure the #SocialWorkDayAU trends in Australia and globally. It only takes a few clicks and you're done!

We have resources available on our website, including a high-resolution poster and templates for emails and events you may be organising in your workplace.

Read More...
     

    AASW World Social Work Day events

    		  

    Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs

    Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs is the Past President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and will give the keynote World Social Work Day address at the AASW's Victorian Branch breakfast Tuesday, 20 March. 

    AASW branches around Australia are also hosting World Social Work Day events. To book into one, please see the World Social Work Day page.  
     

    AASW NSW Social Justice Awards

    		  

    The AASW NSW Branch has revived the Social Justice Awards for this year.  Nominations for the Award close 14 March. The winner will be announced on World Social Work Day.
     

    Students - aspire your potential

    		  


    A girl sitting down and looking up with a graffiti wall which has the word ASPIRESocial work students - Aspire Your True Potential. AASW student membership is your connection to a network of more than 10,000 members. To access the full benefits, join today. 
     

    Victorian intermediaries pilot program

    		  

    Intermediaries are skilled communication specialists who assist vulnerable witnesses to give their best evidence in legal proceedings. Their role is to help communication with the witness and to assist the witness to give evidence to police and in court. Intermediaries are neutral and are officers of the court. 

    Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 13 March 2018. 

    For more information and to apply, please see the website.
     

    Social policy & advocacy

    		  

    AASW at Senate Inquiry

    AASW National President Christine Craik and policy advisor Dr Sebastian Cordoba gave evidence to the Senate inquiry into the Family Law Act and family violence, advocating for significant reform and the greater use of social workers. The submission and transcript will be available shortly.

    AASW submissions in Question Time

    The AASW's submission against the Cashless Debit Card was cited in Federal Parliament during Question Time on 6 February. In particular, Andrew Giles MP cited our argument that "it contravenes the expectation of fairness and assumption of autonomy that underpins welfare support payments". You can read our submission here.

    Recently submitted

    The AASW has made submissions to three key inquiries, including: Commonwealth Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2017 and related bill , Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2017 and Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia. The submissions will be made available on our website. 

    Submissions in progress

    • Market Readiness for the NDIS
    • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
    • The Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce.

    If you would like to contribute please email us: social.policy@aasw.asn.au

    Close the Gap Inquiry

    The Council of Australian Governments is currently conducting an inquiry on the future of Close The Gap. As we approach the tenth anniversary of Closing the Gap only one of the seven national targets is on track and four will expire in 2018.

    We encourage members to complete the online survey. Share your views on the future of Closing the Gap here: https://closingthegaprefresh.pmc.gov.au/
     

    Social media - professional conduct

    		  

    Cover of the Code of Ethics 2010 dark blue cover, indigenous art

    Please remember to be respectful and professional on social media, even in a personal capacity. Discussion on public posts can be seen by everyone and may reflect on the profession if you identify as a social worker. Social media posts can also potentially form the basis of a professional conduct complaint.

    Refer to general ethical responsibilities in the AASW Code of Ethics. 
     

    Government proposal for national strategy on elder abuse

    		  

    Older white man with glasses gazing into the distance

    The AASW welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of its intention to develop a national plan for the prevention of elder abuse, and commitment to finally stop the devastating impacts that it has on the lives of so many.

    Read AASW National President Christine Craik's full statement here.
     

    Objection to Australia's seat on the Human Rights Council

    		  

    Now that Australia has taken up the position on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the next three years, it is time for the Government to end the human rights violations occurring at home because of its own policies, according to AASW National President Christine Craik.

    Read the full media release here. 
     

    AASW SA calls for policy changes at Social Justice Forum

    		  

    The South Australian state election will be held on Saturday, 17 March 2018. AASW SA held a Social Justice Forum on 5 March with representatives from the Labor Party, Liberal Party, the Greens, and the Dignity Party to discuss policy changes ahead of the election.

    Read AASW South Australia Branch President Mary Hood's full statement here. 
     

    Social Work Focus - winter edition

    		  

    We are seeking contributions for the Winter edition of Social Work Focus. The theme is "social work practice in welfare, housing and homelessness". Published contributions count towards CPD. The deadline for advertising and contributions is 5 May 2018.

    Please read the guidance on how to write for us.
     

    Countering violent extremism CPD program

    		  

    The countering violent extremism CPD workshops have booked out months in advance. 

    There are limited places for these workshops in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. 

    See the AASW website for details and to register. 
       
     

    AASW events

    		  

    All AASW branch and online events can be found in the events calendar or on SWOT.

    Victoria

    School Social Work Practice Group Peer Supervision
    Monday, 19 March 2018
    10am to 12:00pm followed by Practice Group Meeting at 1-3pm, North Melbourne
    To attend please email Convenor.

    Social Work Yoga and Mindfulness Practice Group Supervision
    Wednesday, 28 March 2018
    6:30pm, via teleconference
    To attend please email Convenor.

    Western Australia

    New Graduates Reunion Night- Alumni 2017

    Wednesday, 21 March 2018
    6.00pm- 8.00pm, City West Lotteries House, West Perth
    Free Webinar for Rural Members
     

    Promotions

    		  

    2018 Trauma education workshops with Dr Leah Giarratano
    Two professional development workshops provide mental health professionals with practical skills and up-to-date research in traumatology.

    Treating PTSD workshops offered in May and June in Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth
    CPD hours: 14

    Treating complex trauma workshops offered from July and October in Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth (you must attend Treating PTSD beforehand)
    CPD hours: 14

    For further details and to register, please visit www.talominbooks.com 

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    Two Day Training in Imago Relationship Therapy

    This two-day workshop offers systematic, structured support to transform painful relationship dynamics, creating safety and connection.
    CPD hours: 14

    Sydney

    12/13 April

    Early Bird to 12 March

    Melbourne

    23/24 April

    Early Bird to 23 March

    Presented by Brenda Rawlings BSW(Hons).

    For further information, read the flyer.
    To register for the workshops, see the website.

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    National Dementia Conference 2018

    Australian Association of Social Workers

    National Office T 03 9320 1022
    ACT Branch T 02 6199 5001
    		 NSW Branch T 02 9615 4005 North QLD Branch T 07 4420 3900
    NT Branch T 08 8981 0276 QLD Branch T 07 3090 3718 SA Branch T 08 8463 5911
    TAS Branch T 03 6224 5833 VIC Branch T 03 9320 1012 WA Branch T 08 9420 7240

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