Northern Territory Social Work: Views and Approaches

Abstract

The present article explores the question of what Northern Territory (NT) social workers want from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). In a dynamic social work landscape, this question is a critical one for our professional association. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, data were obtained from 49 social workers with the primary aim of understanding their views about the AASW and what they wanted from their professional association. The findings indicate that, in general, social workers agreed with the AASW's stated objectives. Participant concerns centred on the urgent need for professional registration, access to quality Continuing Professional Education (CPE), the pursuit of social justice activities, and for the AASW to better articulate its overall role and purpose. Problematically, social workers expect the AASW to fulfil many roles and further research is required to provide a clearer, national picture.

Abstract

Keywords:

• AASW
• Social Justice
• Northern Territory