Registration of social work in South Australia
Registration of social work in South Australia
Requesting clarity on SA social work registration – 13 June 2025
The Social Workers Registration Board South Australia (SWRB) recently released a communique announcing that the Government of South Australia is proposing to delay the start date of the Social Worker Registration Scheme (SWRS) from 1 July 2025 to an unspecified date. A Bill to delay the start date has passed the Lower House of Parliament and will need to pass the Upper House to become law.
The implementation of the SWRS will be a significant milestone for South Australian social workers. South Australian registration is also an important step towards national registration.
Recently, 952 people registered for the AASW’s May webinar titled National Registration of Social Workers: Pushing for Change, indicating substantial interest in advancing towards national registration for social workers.
The Social Workers Registration Board communique included their commitment and availability to answer questions regarding the Registration Scheme. Across the last 12 months many AASW members have approached the AASW with questions about the planned SWRS.
We put this set of questions to the Social Workers Registration Board to seek answers on your behalf:
- What model did the SWRB recommend to Government?
- Which workforces were proposed to be impacted (included or excluded)?
- When did the SWRB first propose its model to Government?
- Which aspects of the proposed model did Government oppose?
- What ‘pathway’ options are being considered for non-qualified people?
- How much were the proposed registration fees and what was the fee structure?
- How much of the $4.7 million commitment is remaining to deliver the Scheme?
- Has Government committed to fund any further outlay or shortfall?
- What actions have you taken to advocate for national registration of social workers?
- Have the Presiding Member and Director advocated to the South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing and Premier for national registration through the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS)?
- What new consultation processes will occur?
- Will the SWRB consult on Regulations of the Act before the commencement of the Scheme?
- Did the SWRB include a requirement for registered social workers to hold professional indemnity insurance?
- Why did two SWRB members resign?
- Ahpra publishes announcements regarding board member resignations, retirements, and appointments on its website. Why doesn’t the SWRB communicate board resignations?
- There are 9 months until the March 2026 state election (8 months before Government enters caretaker). Has the South Australian Government provided the SWRB with any commitment that the Scheme will be delivered in this term of government?
- Was a Regulatory Impact Assessment undertaken?
The South Australian Registration Scheme represents a significant advancement in safeguarding the public within South Australia. However, to ensure consistent protections for communities nationwide, a national registration system is essential. The AASW strongly urges the South Australian Government to support our submission into the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). This approach presents the most comprehensive and effective solution for Australia.
We remain committed to keeping you informed and will communicate any updates we receive. Our foremost priority is to ensure clarity throughout the process – for social workers and the communities who rely on their invaluable contributions.
South Australian Social Workers Registration Scheme Update – 24 May 2025
Social workers in South Australia are eagerly anticipating the commencement of the new Social Workers Registration Scheme scheduled for 1 July 2025.
However, clear concerns have emerged due to the current lack of detailed information released. Members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) have voiced their concerns and the AASW is actively advocating for its members, maintaining communication with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB). We promise to continue pushing for more comprehensive information.
Here’s what we know members are seeking information about:
Registration fees
CPD and supervision requirements
Accreditation of South Australian social work courses
Criteria for being deemed a “fit and proper person” and complaint investigation processes
The definition of social work services and Scope of Practice
Alternative pathways to registration
Potential impacts on the workforce.
The AASW understands the pressing need for clarity on registration fees, CPD requirements, and the criteria for being deemed a “fit and proper person” among other crucial aspects of the scheme. The SWRB has legal responsibility for the implementation and oversight of the South Australian Social Workers Registration Scheme.
We understand that key components of the Scheme are still under consideration by the South Australian Government. The details about the Scheme will be published on the Social Workers Registration Board website and the South Australia Gazette when they become available.
With just five weeks remaining until implementation, the AASW emphasises the importance of timely updates from the South Australian Government, crucial for preparing social workers for registration.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
The AASW is seeking clarification regarding professional indemnity insurance (PII) requirements under the South Australian Registration Scheme.
PII remains a critical concern under the new scheme, with the AASW advocating for standards aligned with other registered professions to ensure comprehensive protection for social workers.
PII ensures high levels of public protection and cover for practitioners. The AASW is concerned that social workers will be exposed to financial, legal and psychological risks without insurance standards equivalent to other registered allied health professions such as psychologists.
The AASW has advocated for the South Australian Social Workers Registration Scheme to align to professions that are registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (Ahpra), like psychology and occupational therapy. All Ahpra registered practitioners must have PII.
The AASW often receives complaints against social workers made by their employer. It is important that registered social workers are covered to defend themselves and/or make any liability payments in the event a complaint is substantiated.
All AASW members have professional indemnity insurance as part of their membership.
Next Steps
The AASW’s commitment to supporting its members through this transition includes welcoming feedback and actively addressing concerns to ensure the interests of South Australian social workers are well represented.
Please reach out to us if you have questions or issues you’d like us to raise on your behalf. Contact us at [email protected].