For Immediate Release 6 June
Yesterday in the South Australian Parliament, the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP introduced a Bill in the Lower House to delay the commencement of the Social Workers Registration Scheme. The Scheme was scheduled to begin on 1 July 2025, but will now be deferred to a future date yet to be determined. The Bill must now pass the Upper House before any changes take effect.
The Social Workers Registration Bill was first passed in 2018 and was followed by the Social Workers Registration (Commencement) Amendment Bill 2023, which legislated a fixed start date of 1 July 2025. The intent behind the legislation was to provide a formal framework to register the social work profession, aimed at improving standards and safeguarding the public.
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is disappointed by the delay and concerned that another setback will leave the public—particularly children and vulnerable people—without the protections that formal registration is designed to provide. The Scheme was introduced following a recommendation by South Australia’s then State Coroner, Mark Johns, after the death of Chloe Valentine. Multiple coroners have since reinforced the need for registration to help prevent avoidable harm.
AASW CEO Cindy Smith said: “Because of the complexity and the challenges of this state legislation, the delay is a commonsense approach.”
“But it is deeply disappointing that after years of preparation, South Australia is stepping back from its own commitment. Each delay risks the safety of the public and leaves the profession without the regulatory support it urgently needs.”
Ms Smith said the case for a nationally consistent approach is stronger than ever:
“The challenges of implementing a state-based scheme only reinforce the need for social work to be included in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. The profession is ready, and the time to act is now.”
She added: “The community deserves confidence that social workers are held to the same standards as other allied health professionals. The absence of regulation continues to place lives at risk and delays must no longer be the default response.
“It’s time for Health Ministers to get serious and register the profession nationally and show leadership to protect the public from harm, especially vulnerable children.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Matt Loads, Communications Lead
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About AASW
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is Australia’s professional body for social workers. As well as representing and supporting social workers in their essential work, we set the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work.