Social Workers inclusion in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme

Issue

The Australian Association of Social Workers is seeking the inclusion of the social work profession in the National Regulation and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS).

Response

The NRAS for health professions commenced on 1 July 2010 as a joint initiative of the state, territory and Commonwealth governments, through the Council of Australian Governments.

The NRAS is aimed at protecting public safety, increasing workforce mobility and ensuring high quality education and training of health practitioners. National registration was originally confined to health professions which were already regulated in state and territory jurisdictions. Ten health professions joined the NRAS from 1 July 2010. A further four professions joined the NRAS on 1 July 2012. The Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council has responsibility for determining the professions that should enter the NRAS.

The inclusion of social workers in the NRAS was discussed at the meeting of the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council on 9 November 2012 and it was agreed to refer the proposal for advice and further consideration by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.

Reviewed: 1 March 2013