Anita served on the Board of the Australian Association of Social Workers from 2013–2019. Anita was a dedicated and valued member of the AASW Board.

A well-being and social worker, her varied experience and career included politics, academia, directorships on boards, social work, health, legal and social justice, public service and social and public policy.

Anita had a wide appreciation for social work as a profession. She was the AASW’s media spokesperson on the budget during her time on the Board.

In 2019, the AASW ran two special podcast episodes with her on retirement age, just commitment to social work, and her experiences. Anita was also one of the contributors to the AASW’s 2022 federal election campaign in August and issued a strong statement on social work in October. She was joined by CEO Cindy Smith and then-National President Christine Craik.

The day that the AASW was fortunate to hear her speak on mental health, policy development and the importance of a values-based approach to supporting the NDIS as a policy instrument, Anita was articulate, always reliable, widely read and analytical. It was a pleasure to work with and know Anita Phillips.