Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

The AASW is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia. It was formed in 1946 at the federal level, although a number of state branches had formed prior to this. It has a code of ethics which contains a set of principles agreed to by all members. These principles guide all social work practice.

The code stresses the importance of working in the best interest of the client and of keeping each clients affairs confidential, except where there are overriding legal, moral or ethical reasons.

Objectives of the AASW:

• To promote the profession of social work.
• To provide an organisation through which social workers can develop a professional identity.
• To establish, monitor and improve practice standards.
• To contribute to the development of social work knowledge and research.
• To advocate on behalf of clients.
• To actively support social structures and policies pursuant to the promotion of social justice.

Definition of social work [adopted at the June 1997 Board of Directors meeting]

Social work is the profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the enhancement of the quality of life and the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. Social workers pursue these goals by working to address the barriers, inequalities, and injustices that exist in society, and by active involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis. This is done by working with individuals towards the realisation of their intellectual, physical and emotional potentials, and by working with individuals, groups and communities in the pursuit and achievement of equitable access to social, economic and political resources. Social workers also pursue their goals:

• Through involvement in research, policy development and analysis, consultancy, and management.
• Work with individuals, groups and communities to shape and change the conditions in which they live.
• Advocate for disadvantaged members of society.
• Work towards the elimination of structural inequalities in society to facilitate a more equitable distribution of resources.
• Engage in research to build our knowledge base and understanding of society.
• Analyse, challenge and develop social policies.

Social work practice is informed by professional education based on an analysis and understanding of human development and behaviour and of complex social processes. It accepts a commitment to working within a stated value position and code of ethics. An integral part of the education of each social worker is the demonstration in practice settings of this analysis, understanding and commitment.

The AASW:

• Has a code of ethics which reflects the value base of the profession and provides guidance for practitioners.
• Provides a mechanism through which social workers can develop a professional identity.
• Promotes, maintains and works for the improvement of standards of professional practice, education and research.
• Offers professional support on issues affecting social workers both inside and outside of employment.
• Deals with complaints relating to ethics and professional practice.
  Acts as a lobby group on health and welfare issues and policy development to achieve a more just society.
• Has representatives on health and welfare organisations and committees.
• Makes statements to the media on service and professional issues.
  Provides professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance to all members, including students.
• Organises professional seminars, workshops, branch and national conferences for which members pay a discounted fee.
• Publishes Australian Social Work, a quarterly journal which has international standing and is Australia's only refereed social work journal.

For further information visit the Australian Association of Social Workers website.