Australian Association of Social Workers ACT Branch

The Australian Association of Social Workers is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia, with more than 10,000 members. It was formed as a national association in 1946 and has since supported its members through the profession's many developments and changes.

Today, with our nine branches and vibrant community of national committees and practice groups supporting the work of the Association, we cater for the professional needs and interests of our social work members practising in a diverse range of fields, employment and locations.

The AASW's objectives are to:

• Promote the profession of social work
• Establish, monitor and improve practice and ethical standards
• Contribute to the development of social work knowledge and research
• Develop, review and accredit the education standards for social workers
• Advocate for the pursuit of social justice and changes to social structures and policies in order to promote social inclusion and redress social disadvantage
• Promote and facilitate members’ professional development and life-long learning
• Represent and advocate for the interests of members as a group

The ACT Branch supports over 360 AASW members in the ACT, hosting a range of activities open to all social workers. We encourage members to contact the Branch Management Committee with issues of interest or concern.

We are active in the campaign towards social work registration in Australia and are involved in the annual World Social Work Day activities. We offer regular and ongoing Continuing Professional Development for members with regular workshops and seminars throughout the year. CPD is offered in collaboration with agencies in the ACT as well as the surrounding region.

General Practice Group

General Practice Group is open to all AASW members and is held on the 3rd Thursday of every second month (excluding December and January). 6-8pm with the request that members arrive from 5.45pm onwards.

The aim of the group is to discuss topics of interest to social workers. The session is held at the Australian Catholic University in the Conference Room (Blackfriars Building). Members are asked to RSVP by COB on the Monday prior to the Practice Group.