In a national first, South Australian social workers will be required to register from 1 July 2025.

A staged implementation approach is already well underway to meet the date.

Director Professor Sarah Wendt is leading the project from development through to implementation.

“Valuing, respecting, and supporting the social work profession is a key part of the registration scheme and I am committed to ensuring it is operational on time,” she said.

“I have believed in the registration of social workers throughout my study and career in social work.

“I look forward to appointing and working with a board in the new year.

“There are so many leaders in social work that I respect in South Australia.”

The Social Workers Registration Scheme is being established to drive professional standards across the profession.

It will also build momentum towards national registration.

The Social Workers Registration Act 2021 was passed on 9 December 2021, and recently the Social Workers Registration (Commencement) Amendment Act 2023 passed the South Australia Parliament, setting the commencement date.

The 1 July 2025 commencement date will allow for the establishment of a fully operational registration scheme prior to the Act’s commencement.

An interim website will soon be established to provide regular communication to the sector about the scheme’s progress.