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.The social work landscape is in a process of ongoing change. The broad political and economic context of practice, the types of organisations that employ social workers, and the roles workers undertake are evolving constantly and quickly. Although this is not news to anyone familiar with social work, the question of how an association representing social workers can respond to the needs of its members and remain relevant and representative in such an evolving context is a crucial one.

Theoretical pathways to the future: Globalization, ICT and social work theory and practice

“…Additionally, there were no questions relating to technology use with clients included in the survey which perhaps reflects the lack of prevalence that this has in Australia. However, in a survey undertaken in the Northern Territory which did seek such information, findings indicated that practitioners made only limited use of the technology (West, Heath, & Ennis, 2009). This is surprising given the role that ICT can play in overcoming distance particularly in areas that are sparsely populated and lack many services such as the Northern Territory and many other parts of Australia.…”