The AASW condemns exploitation of veterans and social workers
5 October 2026
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is concerned by the practices examined in ABC’s Four Corners investigation into services provided to Australian veterans.
The program raises serious questions about the use of public funding intended to support veterans and the practices of some private providers operating within the system. For the AASW, it also raises an important issue about the social workers employed to provide these services.
The AASW is aware of cases where social workers have trusted their employer to manage billing and administration so they can focus on delivering support and services to veterans. This has included providing access to their provider numbers for legitimate administrative purposes.
In some cases, that trust has been exploited. Social workers’ provider numbers have been used inappropriately and services have been billed without their knowledge.
The AASW was briefed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in 2025 that as many as 200 social workers could be caught up in the scheme.
The AASW’s Chief Executive Officer Kerryn Pennell said the impact on the social workers involved should not be underestimated.
“Many social workers have chosen a career to support people who have experienced trauma and impacts on their health and wellbeing in the course of their service. It is deeply concerning that their trust in an employer can be used against them,” Ms Pennell said.
“There can be serious consequences for a social worker when inappropriate billing occurs under their provider number, including potential damage to their professional reputation and career.”
Social workers have responsibilities for the use of their provider number and for services billed in their name. The AASW is working to ensure social workers understand these responsibilities, including the risks associated with workplace billing and administrative arrangements. We are also supporting social workers who come to us with concerns or questions about billing practices and developing further guidance on billing and administration.
This is important for social workers and the veterans they support. Inappropriate billing practices can put social workers’ careers at risk and mean funding intended for veterans is not being used for the services they need.
“Social workers need to be able to trust the systems they work within, just as veterans need to be able to trust the services established to support them.” Ms Pennell said.
The AASW will continue to work with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to address these issues, support social workers to understand their professional responsibilities and ensure veterans receive the services and support intended for them.
The AASW has provided, and will continue to provide, guidance to social workers on matters related to DVA and other compensable schemes.
The AASW’s Chief Executive Officer Kerryn Pennell was interviewed as part of the ABC’s research for the Four Corners program.
Four Corners: Defenceless goes to air Monday 5 October at 8:30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
If you are concerned about issues related to the program, please contact the AASW.
Please call us on 03 9320 1000 or email [email protected].