Social Workers Registration Act 2021

The Hon. J.S. LEE (11:07): 

I rise today to speak on the Social Workers Registration (Commencement of Act) Amendment Bill 2025. This is a very technical bill that seeks to amend the Social Workers Registration Act 2021 so that the scheme commences on the day fixed by proclamation.

Honourable members would be well aware that the Social Workers Registration Scheme was originally set to commence on 1 July 2025, only a few short weeks away. This bill will provide an extension of time before the commencement but does not set a specified date. The minister has not provided any kind of indicative timeline as to when the scheme might be expected to come into operation.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work that the Social Workers Registration Board has undertaken in terms of consultation, research and benchmarking for this important scheme. It has broad support and will be the first of its kind in Australia, enabling the Social Workers Registration Board to oversee the social work profession in South Australia to both protect the public and uplift the sector by establishing codes of conduct, professional standards and ethical guidelines, enhancing accountability and professionalism.

However, it has become apparent in recent weeks and months that the scheme is not ready, with the board yet to release the scope and the guidelines for the scheme, let alone information about the policies and processes for registration. There have been significant concerns in the sector about the negative impact that the new registration scheme may have on existing workers and fears that experienced domestic violence and child protection workers could leave the sector, which is already struggling with workforce shortages.

It is clear that this is a complex area with unique challenges. The social work sector is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of cohorts working in varied roles with different needs and requirements. As the minister has highlighted, a range of pathways are required to recognise relevant qualifications and experience, and it is vital that we get the settings right so that this nation-first scheme works in the interests of the sector, individual workers and all the clients they serve so diligently.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge a letter I received from the Australian Services Union. I just want to quote a statement from the letter highlighting the issues here:

Over the past year, our members have raised concerns about the complexity of the proposed registration process, including its potential impact on workforce retention, recognition of existing experience, cost, and accessibility. We were particularly concerned for peer-support workers and those who are hired because of their lived experience or cultural knowledge, rather than an academic qualification. We have repeatedly conveyed these concerns directly to the Social Workers Registration Board, the Attorney-General, the Minister for Child Protection, the Minister for Human Services and the Premier's office.

These are a range of issues that I think ought to be addressed.

On a personal note, I have been told by close family members who are employed as social workers that there has been a growing sense of uncertainty and stress in the sector. As the 1 July deadline looms, the lack of detail provided by the board to date has exacerbated this uncertainty. I am sure there will be many sighs of relief that the commencement of the scheme is being postponed until these issues can be resolved.

It is essential that this scheme is not rushed and that this time extension is used for further consultation and engagement across the sector to ensure that we get pathways and settings right, not only to strengthen the social work sector but also to protect the vulnerable clients who rely on its essential services and support.

With those remarks, I commend the bill.