QLD Branch

Branch Overview

AASW (QLD) is a thriving Branch with over 2,400 members. We service and represent Social Workers from the southern border north to Rockhampton. The Branch is managed by a voluntary Branch Management Committee (BMC) elected by the membership, and staffed by Branch Services Co-ordinator Mere Vitale (on leave until April 2021) and Branch Services Co-ordinator Rachel Austin.

Please follow the branch links to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you may like to get involved. Our Branch Organisational Chart is another quick way to get your bearings of the many entry points there are to engage with us.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Branch & Other Quick Links

Branch Spotlight

Registrations Open - World Social Work Day - Griffith University School of Human Services & Social Work and the AASW (QLD Branch) - Tuesday 16 March 2021

Griffith University School of Human Services & Social Work and the AASW (QLD Branch) proudly present a World Social Work Day Celebration at the The Ship Inn, Southbank Parklands.

Celebrate with us for WSWD 2021, for a night of sharing and the making of magical music, bringing the spirit of togetherness, solidarity and connectedness between all humanity.

Further information and to register see here
POSTED 01/02/2021 - UPDATED 10/02/2021

** Please see here for other WSWD day events in the Qld Branch.

Talk Fest 2021 - COVID, Mental Health and surviving 2020 as students and new graduates online
For Students and New Graduates

Hosted by the Student and New Graduate Network via ZOOM - tele and videoconferencing available.

Date: Wednesday 24 March 2020 (6.00pm - 8.00pm) - Further details coming soon!

Guest Speakers: TBC

Venue: Via tele/videoconferencing - ZOOM details will be sent to you in the week beginning.

Register Here
POSTED 04/02/2021

Call for Social Work Focus Contributions

Please note the Association will be publishing the next Social Work Focus magazine shortly and are calling for stories and contributions of interesting issues or unique and important points of view that would make great reading for our members.

Please submit by Friday 12 February to Noel McMahon at editor@aasw.asn.au
POSTED 27/01/2021

ABS Census Data Collection 2021

AASW welcomes the changes in the ABS Census Data Collection 2021 in relation to its conceptions of Sex, Gender, Variations of sex characteristics and Sexual orientation. This is a positive step to ensure that the Census can accurately represent the diversity of the Australian community. We encourage other government departments to adopt these definitions in their lines of work to ensure inclusivity.

https://www.abs.gov.au/.../standard-sex-gender.../2020...
POSTED 27/01/2021

QTenders - Intermediary Scheme

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is establishing a pilot of a witness intermediary scheme in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The AASW has been approached about disseminating this to appropriate and interested members who can then apply to become a member of the panel. In summary the role is as follows

The role of the intermediary is to facilitate communication between the witness and police and/or the witness and courts by:

• • assessing witness’s communication and describing any specific communication assistance required;
• • providing practical strategies on how to best communicate with the witness and how to pose a question to get the most reliable evidence;
• • informing directions hearings, where applicable, to establish court communication guidelines for a vulnerable witness; and
• • writing court reports about an individual’s communication needs.

Legislatively, only those with qualifications in speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy or social work are eligible to be appointed as an intermediary.

We encourage those of you with expertise and interest to apply, please see following information sent from the Dept of Justice and Attorney- General.

Become an intermediary to assist witnesses to give their best evidence

Applications are currently sought from allied health professionals in Queensland to become intermediaries—to facilitate communication between a witness and police and/or a witness and courts.

Individuals with qualifications in speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy or social work will be selected to form a prequalified panel for the two-year Queensland Intermediary Scheme Pilot Program, which will operate in Brisbane and Cairns from July 2021.

Read more about this role and the pilot program on QTenders.

Please note applications have been extended to 28 January 2021. Individuals with an interest in applying for this role must be registered on QTenders (how to register). Only applications lodged via QTenders will be accepted.

Media Release > https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/community-engagement/news/2020/intermediaries-to-assist-vulnerable-witnesses-to-give-their-best-evidence
Posted 18/01/2021