Social workers call for stronger professional standards, pay equity and advocacy in 2025 survey release from AASW.
3 February 2026
More than 3,000 social workers from across Australia have delivered a clear message about what they want from their professional association: stronger professional standards, pay equity and recognition, and more visible advocacy at every level of government.
The results come from AASW’s Strategic Survey, an independent study designed to inform strategic planning and strengthen understanding of the needs and expectations of the social work profession.
In total, 3,034 people participated, including both AASW members and non-members who identify as social workers, offering one of the most detailed snapshots in recent years of priorities across the sector.
High-level findings from the Strategic Survey were previously shared through newsletters and on the AASW website. As AASW begins 2026 with a renewed focus on transparency and the voice of social workers, the association has released the full research report publicly, sharing the findings in their entirety.
AASW CEO Kerryn Pennell said releasing the complete report reflects AASW’s commitment to openness and accountability.
“In the spirit of transparency, we’re sharing the full research report so members and the wider community can see exactly what social workers have told us,” Kerryn said.
The Strategic Survey was conducted as an independent study by a specialist researcher Strategic Membership Solutions, with expertise in advising membership organisations. The AASW said this approach supported the integrity of the findings and ensured the report accurately reflects the feedback provided.
What social workers want AASW to focus on for 2026 and beyond:
The survey results identified key areas that social workers expect AASW to prioritise.
The strongest message was the importance of upholding professional standards, described in the survey findings as an essential priority. Participants highlighted the need for the AASW to safeguard the profession’s integrity and ensure qualifications, ethics and practice standards remain strong.
A second dominant theme was pay equity and professional recognition, ranked as a very high priority. Social workers called for fairer compensation and stronger recognition aligned with other related professions
Participants also rated government advocacy and social policy influence as a very high priority, with respondents calling for the AASW to engage more actively with state and federal governments. Feedback emphasised the importance of advocacy on workforce issues as well as broader social justice concerns, ensuring the perspectives of social workers are represented in public policy decisions.
Kerryn said the findings reinforce AASW’s responsibility to advocate strongly on behalf of the profession.
“Social workers want their voices heard in policy decisions, and that is exactly what AASW will continue to work toward,” she said.
Respondents also placed strong emphasis on amplifying the value of social work, identifying it as a high priority. Social workers highlighted the need to raise public awareness about the role and impact of the profession, including strengthening understanding among employers, policymakers and the public.
A further high priority was supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and culturally responsive practice, with participants strongly endorsing continued and strengthened efforts in this area.
The Strategic Survey findings will help guide planning and prioritisation in 2025 and beyond, alongside ongoing engagement with members, branches and the broader profession, they can also help other organisations better understand the needs of the profession.
The full survey research report is available here.