For Immediate Release 18 December 2024

The AASW is calling on the Victorian Government to commit to the full original implementation of Recommendation 209 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

In 2016, the Royal Commission’s final report called for mandatory minimum qualification requirements for specialist family violence practitioners to hold a Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification. This is only a requirement for government funded services.

The Royal Commission recognised that specialist family violence practitioners work with victims of family violence who are at high risk. They need to be able to manage complex needs and support victims with ongoing and comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning.

Victims of family violence are in incredibly vulnerable circumstances and often in imminent danger.

It is more than eight years since the commissioners handed down their report. The Victorian Government committed to implement all 227 recommendations of the royal commission and has made progress towards the implementation of Recommendation 209.

However, the AASW is concerned the Victorian Government has signaled it is walking away from its obligation for specialist family violence workers to be appropriately qualified.

AASW CEO Cindy Smith said:

“The Royal Commission into Family Violence was an important turning point for Victoria. A chance to systemically take on this pervasive and insidious issue afflicting so many women, children, families and communities.”

“Victim-survivors, social workers, frontline workers and other professionals all came forward to share their traumatic experiences with the commissioners so that we could work towards solutions and reform. We are doing no service to them to give up now.”

“Considering the work that the specialist family violence workforce does and how dangerous family violence is, it is hard not to conclude that we are putting women at risk here.”

“The opportunity to implement this reform is there, we just need the commitment to follow through.” Cindy Smith said.

About the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) represents the interests of social workers in Australia. Our mission is to advance well-being and social justice, empowering the social work profession to foster change and advocate for vulnerable populations.

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