HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS, WELFARE AND INCOME SUPPORT - WINTER/SPRING 2018 - VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 - Volume 3 Issue
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Focus
Social Work WINTER/SPRING 2018 – VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3
ISSN 2209-0053 (ONLINE)
HOUSING,
HOMELESSNESS,
WELFARE AND
INCOME SUPPORT
PAGE 25
Inside this issue:
50 YEARS A MEMBER / PAGE 5
A career in community development
HEEDING THE CALL / PAGE 26
20 years working in the
non-government homelessness sector
HOMELESSNESS PRACTICE IN A
REGIONAL AREA / PAGE 30
Learning social work practice in
north-east Victoria
HEALTHCARE EFFICIENCIES FOR
EFFECTIVE OUTCOMES FOR HOMELESS
PEOPLE / PAGE 32
CONFRONTING SELF-CARE / PAGE 36
Co-optee and controller, or agent
of change?
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CONTENTS NEWS Speak out against inaction on homelessness and income insecurity 3 AASW lays the foundations for growth: Strategic Plan launch 4 50 years a member: A career in community development 5 Ending Homelessness Together: National Homelessness Week 6 2018 AASW Member Needs and Satisfaction survey 8 Strategic Plan 2018–2021 9 Don’t keep history a mystery: National Reconciliation Week 2018 9 Because of her, we can!: NAIDOC Week 10 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 11 The Federal Budget: A missed opportunity 12 ‘Making a difference’ at CHOGM 13 Australian social workers endorse International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia 14 Council honours social worker 15 ‘Eldering’: A better way of ageing 16 The Naked Farmer: Raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor mental health service 18 Moments of Memory: Jigsaw commemorates 40th anniversary 20 Social workers crucial to helping people quit smoking 21 Social work student honoured for breaking down barriers 22 HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS, WELFARE AND INCOME SUPPORT Heeding the call:20 years working in the non-government homelessness sector 26 Supporting financial inclusion, resilience and wellbeing 28 Social work practice in welfare, income support, housing and homelessness in a regional area 30 Healthcare efficiencies for effective outcomes for homeless people 32 The Doorway Housing and Recovery Program: A Housing First model 34 Confronting self-care: Co-optee and controller, or agent of change? 36
AASW Board
Focus
National President
Social Work
Christine Craik
National Vice‑Presidents
Marie-Claire Cheron-Sauer
Lynne Harrold
Directors ISSN 2209-0045 (PRINT) | ISSN 2209-0053 (ONLINE)
Dr Brenda Clare Anita Phillips
Barbara Moerd Jenny Rose
Peter Munn Linda Ford
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Join us on social media: The AASW respectfully acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples as the First Australians, and pays its respects to Elders
past and present.
NEWS PRESIDENT’S REPORT / 3
SPEAK OUT AGAINST
INACTION ON HOMELESSNESS
AND INCOME INSECURITY
Welcome to the winter edition of Social Work Focus. It is particularly CHRISTINE CRAIK
appropriate to have an edition on homelessness and income security AASW National President
in winter, a time when the reality of life without secure housing,
or being unable to afford to heat a home, seems more cruel and
distressing than at any other time.
Decent, affordable and suitable housing services legislation, for example, calling crisis in this last budget – in fact Federal
and a strong and liveable income support for better targeting of student payments, spending in this area has dropped to its
system should be a basic human right in improvement in the quality of care in lowest level in a decade.
this affluent country we live in. As social residential aged care facilities, and better
When an organisation such as the
workers we know that homelessness welfare income systems, and arguing
against drug testing of those on income Australian Business Council says the
is more than a lack of housing and that
income security means more than staying support. We have been very outspoken same things as we are – that those who
out of poverty. Anyone living with these against the introduction and continuation rely on income support are being kept
issues is affected at every level of their of the cashless debit card. on rates so low that it actually prevents
lives. These issues bring with them them from finding work – you know
We have released position statements we are facing a tough challenge with a
intersecting complexities, which lead to
on homelessness and housing; income government hell-bent on blaming and
increased vulnerabilities and an increased
management and support (available punishing the victim.
chance of exploitation.
on our website), and submissions into
Housing issues, homelessness and housing affordability. We have joined with It is time for social workers everywhere
income insecurity rob people of other organisations to protest against to do what we do best – advocate,
economic and social inclusion. funding cuts to peak homelessness and agitate and work to make a difference.
We know as social workers that these housing bodies and conducted a national We will be facing a Federal election
systemic issues lead to issues with safety, study of the income security issues of our soon, which gives us a terrific
employment, security and mental health – own social work students. opportunity to heed the call to action
basically, the ingredients for life to and become active and vocal for
We know that our students are doing
fall apart. change around these issues.
it tough. While student placements
The statistics confirm what we know are valuable and essential learning Contact your Federal Member of
from the work we do. Those who are experiences for students, they put in Parliament to ask them what they are
the most vulnerable in our society are many hours of unpaid placement time going to be doing about the shameful
over-represented in housing insecurity, and usually have to negotiate time away level of income assistance offered
homelessness and income insecurity. from precarious casual jobs to be able to those on Centrelink payments
We have an obligation to work beyond to do this. There is much work to do in all (check out the information on our
casework with these issues. Our own these spaces. website about how to prepare for
Code of Ethics tells us that we need to a meeting with your parliamentary
Our work prior to and after the Federal
promote policies and practices that representative). Write letters to the
budget has been very strong on
ensure a fair allocation of social resources editor about it.
homelessness and income support issues.
and a reduction to these social barriers,
We’ve argued against the expansion of For those of us with State elections
inequality and injustice.
the automated debt recovery scheme, the coming up, do the same about
As an association, we have been active extension of the cashless debit card and housing issues. Join with others in the
in this space and there is a constant call automatic deduction of fines for people community who are doing the same
out from the social policy team through on income support. We’ve joined with thing. Get inspired by the articles and
the National e-Bulletin for members to many other community organisations
reports in this edition of Social Work
get involved in this work. In the past and advocacy groups to argue against
Focus, and let’s put the pressure on.
two years we have submitted to various the fact that there were no measures to
parliamentary inquiries to do with social address the housing and homelessness •
4 / NEWS
AASW LAYS THE
FOUNDATIONS FOR GROWTH
STRATEGIC PLAN LAUNCH CINDY SMITH
Chief Executive Officer
We are now more than half way through the year with two key areas that
are receiving our focus: acting on the findings of the Member Needs and
Satisfaction Survey and the review of the AASW Constitution.
In the last edition of Social Work Ultimately, on 5 September a Bill that financial support could see thousands
Focus, we advised of the preliminary will make provision for the registration of people seeking protection in
outcomes of our Member Needs of social workers and establish a Australia at risk of becoming destitute
Survey, conducted in March. Further Social Workers Registration Board was and homeless.
analysis has now been completed, tabled in the South Australian upper
The AASW supports the work of
focusing our attention for the coming house by the Hon. Tammy Franks
the Refugee Council of Australia
year. A more detailed analysis of the MLC, of the Greens party. to maintain financial support, and
survey will be published in our
The first release under the particularly their Roof Over My Head
Annual Report.
Empowering Excellence SWOT campaign. We have also signed up
In this edition of SWF, you will find series on the NDIS attracted a steady as a partner to the Everybody’s Home
further details from our Member growth of registrations. Together with campaign to address homelessness,
Needs Survey. The survey provided a pre-recorded content, the first of three and have promoted our involvement
snapshot of member demographics, live webinars were scheduled in July, through our social media.
insights into how we are performing, following an official launch of new Ahead of the Budget release the
and identified priorities for the coming content in our Queensland Branch AASW called on the Government
12 months. Your feedback has been in May. During June, new content to overturn recent policies that
incorporated into the Strategic Plan was released that focused on Mental would see a decent standard of
2018-2021 ensuring we focus on Health and/or Focused Psychological living and participation in the life
improving our member services. Strategies, consistent with AMHSW of the community out of reach for
Work on the Strategic Plan 2018–2022 CPD requirements. Further new many people. We also support the
has moved along to the development content was released in late July. Australian Council of Social Services’
of individual work plans enabling staff (ACOSS) campaign Raise the Rate,
The election process began in August,
to work towards the achievement of calling on the government to raise
with nominations being called for
our strategic objectives. Throughout the single rate for Newstart, Youth
Branch Presidents in each state, and
2018 our activities will be directly Allowance and related payments.
three Directorship positions on our
linked to the Strategic Plan. You will National Board. You can follow the In our Position Statement on Housing
see a renewed focus on membership election process via our webpage Affordability the AASW concluded
recruitment activities and providing where you will find details for that reduced housing affordability
high quality continuing professional nominees and the key dates for each affects the individuals, families and
development. stage of the election process. communities that social workers work
The Board has commenced the review within almost every field of practice.
This issue of Social Work Focus It particularly disadvantages those
of the AASW Constitution. Members centres on Housing, Homelessness
are encouraged to participate in the attempting to leave situations of family
and Income Support. The AASW violence. Though complex, there
process by reviewing the changes, has been influential in the advocacy
providing feedback and taking part in are available solutions to Australia’s
space on these issues. National low rate of housing affordability.
your democratic process by voting at
President Christine Craik has spoken The AASW remains committed to
the 2018 AGM.
out on behalf of the AASW about working with others in the community
Together with the South Australian the treatment of asylum seekers, to address this important equity and
Branch, we have been busy including children, in indefinite human rights issue.
campaigning for registration. The mandatory offshore detention. As
well as this internationally condemned •
2018 South Australian state election
provided opportunities to further the detention policy, earlier this year
campaign. We had positive meetings the Australian Government also
with both the Minister for Child removed income support for asylum
Protection and the Greens party. seekers on bridging visas. Changes to
NEWS / 5
50 YEARS A MEMBER
A CAREER IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Diana Chessell has been an AASW member for 50 years, having
first joined in 1968. Outlining her career as a social worker, Diana writes,
‘I would say that my personal ethos and that of my 50 years of social
work have been based on the principles of community development.’
This practice started in 1968 when I social worker on the staff and this was This research at the ANU Centre for Cross
started work at the Brotherhood of St important at that time to our client group. Cultural Studies explored how Australian
Laurence after a three month student I also had the requisite research skills urban life has built on the interdependent
placement from the University of having recently analysed the composition mechanisms of the Italian community.
Melbourne at the Brotherhood, for of our clients on intake. This community, with its strong strata,
which I had been selected by the famous has assisted in developing creative,
educator, Connie Benn. I gathered that The aged care team had a similar
three levels of care with daily meals, cosmopolitan inner-urban Australian
I was somewhat radical and that the
specialised care services and the growth communities with ‘Little Italys’ at their
Brotherhood of St Laurence with its
of a self-supporting village called Lara, core. Exploring these ethnic communities
innovative programs would suit me.
near Geelong, south of Melbourne. provided a wider ethnic-based example
There were in fact three or four strata Youth services focused on socialisation of community development.
to each development program of the
groups, job searching and sharing skills. I’ve enjoyed the variety of these
Brotherhood. The Family Service project
Each of these tripartite programs aimed challenges and still continue with
provided daily relief with money and
for people to become increasingly Sudanese and South African students
food to homeless or indigent people,
independent and to move away from creating dramatic plays as an Adjunct
in parallel several houses provided
dependence to develop individual power Research Fellow in the School of
emergency housing. Another service
and responsibility within a supportive Creative Industries at the University of
gave counselling and education about
resources and strategies for coping to group – the heart of community South Australia.
other groups. The latter of these services development.
In 2017 I assisted staff at the AASW
gradually morphed into the Family After moving to South Australia I spent SA office in cataloguing their Journal,
Service Project, where people shared five years running a community centre
their skills and assisted one another Newsletter, reference collection and files.
within a deprived area. For the next
to share money communally to buy It did help the cataloguing having lived
twenty-five or so years my career was
household equipment. through 50 years as a Member of the
then focused on teaching community
AASW. The continuity provided by AASW
Another initiative was the first Family development and Adult and Community
publications and development activity
Planning Clinic in Victoria, for which I was Education at the University of South
have certainly helped keep me afloat.
the research social worker. I was selected Australia and later research at the
for the position as I was the only married Australian National University. •
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6 / NEWS
ENDING HOMELESSNESS TOGETHER
NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS WEEK 6–12 AUGUST
The theme of this year’s National Homelessness Week,
6–12 August is ‘Ending homelessness together’. The Australian
Association of Social Workers (AASW) agrees that ending
homelessness takes an all-of-community approach, which also
SO MUCH MORE THAN
factors strong links to family violence. A ‘FREE’ MEAL
AASW National President Christine homelessness in a holistic way,
Craik said, ‘Secure and safe housing including to devise a National Chris Middendorp, Manager
is the base from which individuals Housing Strategy and a plan to end at Sacred Heart Central,
and communities are able to fulfil homelessness by 2030. discusses the unique role their
their potential. engagement hubs play in ending
In keeping with this year’s theme
‘When people lack access to of ending homeless together, the homelessness.
affordable housing, or are forced AASW calls on the government to
Our engagement hub at 87 Grey
to flee from violence, this directly work with the community to:
Street in St Kilda, Melbourne serves
affects their employment, health
• Reform tax treatment of housing about 350 meals a day to people
and educational opportunities.
to remove market distortions and experiencing homelessness and
‘Homelessness disproportionately improve affordability social disadvantage, but it’s so much
affects the most vulnerable, more than a ‘free’ meal.
• Promote public and private
including those who have arrived
investment in new affordable At our hub, a meal is only
in Australia in the last five years
housing to address the shortfall in the beginning. We are like a
who make up 15 per cent of ‘one-stop-shop’ where people can
affordable housing stock
homelessness and young people get as little or as much support as
under 35 who make up 60 per cent. • Increase the maximum rate they require. We use our meals,
and improve indexation of and the welcoming environment
‘We are also concerned about the
Commonwealth Rent Assistance we foster, to engage people in
increasing homelessness in those
to relieve rental stress conversations about making positive
aged 55 and over. The current
system assumes home ownership • Reform tenancy protections to change.
among those in this age group, provide more security for people As a manager of this open-access
and often it’s not the case. This who rent. service, I see first-hand the
is especially true for women who remarkable outcomes we achieve
Ms Craik said, ‘The last Federal
spent years of unpaid work raising as a result of our staff and the
Budget failed to allocate anything
families who don’t have a partner engagement hub model in which
in 2018 to address the affordable
later in life, for many reasons. they work.
housing crisis in Australia. There is no
These women can be particularly
reason that in a prosperous country We reach out to offer support to
vulnerable to homelessness.
like ours homelessness should have everyone who attends. In some
Of course, these issues are
increased in the last five years. Social cases, this consists of advice and
exacerbated if there is family
workers urge the government to advocacy. In other cases, it might
violence involved.’
invest in this most basic of human involve providing people with case
AASW supports the Everybody’s rights. The social and economic management – assisting them with
Home campaign, which calls return will undoubtedly be positive a range of issues, from medication,
on the government to address for all Australians.’ to crisis accommodation and legal
representation.
Many of the people who come to
us do not generally seek help from
services. Many struggle to access
conventional ‘shopfront’ services.
They are often wary of services and
may have had negative experiences
in the past. As a result, they can find
making appointments challenging
and have difficulty remembering to
attend them.
NEWS / 7
Twenty per cent of the people who come building trust, and sticking with people
to us are sleeping rough. They often have along the way, to not only access housing
a range of complex issues – untreated but develop the skills to maintain their
mental illness, chronic ill health, histories homes and feel socially included.
of trauma and abuse, unemployment and
problematic drug use. They may have It can take a lot for a person to ask for
difficulties with emotional regulation as help. Our engagement hub and skilled
a result of their trauma. This means they staff create a unique environment
experience feelings of chronic emptiness where people can take action and make
and abandonment and frequently feel important and lasting changes in their
angry. Trauma rewires the brain and lives.
leaves people with constant anxiety and We have two engagement hubs, where
with difficulties trusting others. people can access from Sacred Heart
Our engagement hub model allows our Mission, both located in St Kilda. Our
highly-skilled staff to gradually establish Dining Hall, often referred to as the heart
trust with people over time and work in an of the mission, is open every day of the
informal manner that is less threatening, year for breakfast and lunch for anyone About the author
builds connection, and supports seeking a meal. Our Women’s House
recovery. also provides breakfast and lunch on
weekdays within a safe and welcoming
People come to us in large numbers Chris Middendorp, Manager
space for women.
because we provide an informal place
Sacred Heart Central, has
where they feel safe and have a sense of The work we do at our engagement hubs
worked in homelessness
belonging. They can meet others, have is just one way we at SHM are working to
a shower, use the phone and get advice. services for 30 years. He
end homelessness.
Workers keep track of accommodation has written extensively for
waiting lists and locate people in our We know ending homelessness takes Australian newspapers
engagement hub when vacancies arise. collaboration so we are asking staff, and magazines on social
volunteers, supporters and partners to justice and cultural matters.
Some people who come only need basic support Everybody’s Home, a national
support. Others need a range of supports He has worked in case
advocacy campaign in the lead up
wrapped around them to assist them with management and street
to the Federal Election calling for: a
substance use, a chronic illness, applying outreach and coordinated
National Housing Strategy; Investment in
for accommodation and attending and managed labour market
affordable housing; increased rights for
appointments. Case workers stick with renters; and increased rental assistance programs, engagement hub
the client until all issues are addressed. for those who need it most. service provision, including
We call this commitment ‘assertive health and complementary
engagement’. Sign up here if you want to health services. Chris
support the campaign and ‘End holds qualifications in
Endling homelessness is a lot more than
Homelessness Together’.
providing a roof over someone’s head. Community Development
It’s about creating a sense of welcome, • and Management.
This conference aims to explore the things we
don’t talk about within in a safe space, where
curiosity, honest conversation, reflection, and
growth are encouraged. We invite presenters to
explore topics in relation to the theme, such as
those of ethics, power, social media, our
OSWA Conference 8-10 November 2018 Canberra ACT profession, organisational imperatives, the
The Things We Don’t Talk About: Psychosocial Challenges in Oncology Social Work contribution of culture, gender, sexuality, or age
and development of relevant skills to meet
these challenges.
Lake Burley Griffin, CANBERRA
Image courtesy of Paul Jurak - Kayakcameraman For further information and to register:
Opening speaker: Dion Devow, ACT Australian of the Year; ACT NAIDOC http://oswa.net.au/event/oswa-national-
Person of the Year conference-2018/
Keynote speaker: Professor Matthew J. Loscalzo, Licensed Clinical Social
Worker, USA
8 / NEWS
2018 AASW MEMBER NEEDS
AND SATISFACTION SURVEY
Members are the foundation of the AASW. A vital and sustainable Association membership requires
the provision of services and programs to meet member needs, opportunities for members and peers
to connect, and the right mix of communications to ensure members are informed of what matters.
In March 2018, members were More than two thirds of participants
Respondent Profile
invited to participate in a Member reported the Association has a good to
Needs and Satisfaction Study – very good understanding of their needs
our first major member survey in Gender Average Employer as social workers; 83 per cent of members
two years. We asked members age pays fees indicated the AASW is relevant in fulfilling
about their professional needs and their professional needs; 84 per cent
expectations of the Association; agreed AASW ethics and professional
we wanted to learn more about standards provide effective guidance;
how we’re performing in areas $ and 77 per cent of members believe
of communication, continuing the Association has an important role
professional development, advocacy 83% 48 6% in providing a sense of belonging and
and social policy, member services Female Years connection to the social work profession.
and programs. We also wanted to
know from members, what should be
the future focus of the AASW. Mean years Accreditation Work location
member status 4% Elsewhere
More than 1500 people participated ® ® CBD
Rural
in the online study – a strong result 12% 18%
that provides the Association an
excellent point of reference as we 23%
Accredited Accredited
Mental Health Social Worker
Social Worker
43%
implement our strategic plan.
While there were some variances,
9.5 30% 26% Regional Suburban
consistently members said they
belonged to the AASW for the Main sectors of Location
following reasons: operation
• Being kept up to date with what’s
happening in the sector
2%
• Professional status and
18%
recognition 8%
9%
• To access Continuing Professional
38% 33% 33% 22%
Government Non- Private
Development (CPD).
government practice 26% 4%
organisation
In response to questions about 4% Not specified 4%
what’s professionally important
members ranked:
Another field of practice 14 Respondents field of practice
• Access to CPD Income support 4
Housing 4
• Being informed of issues Schools (Education) 6
impacting the profession Community Development 8
Aged care 8
• Access to information that Education 8
supports them in their work Alcohol, tobacco & other drug services 8
Culturally & linguistically diverse 9
• Accreditation status Academia 10
• Demonstrating commitment to Sexual violence 12
Child protection 15
professional standards and ethics
Youth 17
• Networking and connecting with Disability 17
their peers Family violence 21
Family 24
• Career development and Trauma 28
mentoring Health 32
Mental Health 51
PercentageNEWS / 9
We asked how the AASW could better ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ACTIONS –
meet member needs with responses RECONCILIATION ACTION WEEK, NAIDOC WEEK AND THE
summarised as: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
• Member Support including
DON’T KEEP HISTORY A MYSTERY
careers support and networking,
creating connections with members
located in non-metropolitan
areas, providing practical tools
for contemporary practice and
mapping trends across the sector NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2018
• CPD – improved content,
scope, format and accessibility
National Reconciliation Week this year started off on Sunday,
especially for members based in
non-metropolitan areas, 27 May with the theme of ‘Don’t keep history a mystery’. The AASW
• Advocacy on behalf of the
recognised the week as an important opportunity to learn more about
profession, clients and community. Aboriginal Torres and Strait Islander cultures and histories, while
Priorities members want the AASW to renewing our commitments to work with Indigenous peoples
progress include: to collectively address the injustices they continue to face.
• Representation and building on the
reputation of the profession AASW National President Christine Craik and concludes with the anniversary of the
said that the theme ‘emphasises the role High Court Mabo decision.
• Introduction of further credentials
that all Australians must have in learning
She said, ‘For social workers, National
• Continued advocacy and policy in more about the rich knowledge and
Reconciliation Week is also about
mental health practice and to focus traditions of Australia’s First Peoples.
learning from the past and working
on in the future aligned
‘Reconciliation is about building with Indigenous Australians to address
• Professional development in meaningful relationships and working the structural disadvantage and
leadership and management for together for a more just Australia, and discrimination they face in all facets of
members in senior and managerial this begins with learning more about their lives. This includes advocating
positions the resilience and achievements of for Australian governments to listen to
• Careers support and guidance for Indigenous Australians. In the face of such Indigenous voices.
students and new graduates. great adversity, Aboriginal and Torres
‘On National Reconciliation Week, we
Strait Islander people have preserved,
Thank you to all members for their celebrate the cultures, histories, skills and
and remain the oldest continuing culture
participation in this important knowledges of Australia’s First Peoples,
in the world.’
research – supporting our members and call on the government to do the
and continuing to improve on our Christine highlighted that the dates of same and commit to meaningful and
performance is important to us all and National Reconciliation Week themselves lasting change.’
will underpin the future success of are a reminder of two significant
AASW National Reconciliation Week 2018
our organisation. milestones that highlight Australia’s
reconciliation history. The week begins on You can read the AASW Reconciliation
• the anniversary of the 1967 referendum Action Plan 2017-2019
STRATEGIC PLAN 2018–2021
The Australian Association of Social 6. Collaborate with international the Association
Workers published its Strategic Plan colleagues through
2018–2021 for the next four years. innovation,
7. Provide responsible governance and
progress and
The latest Strategic Plan sets out seven management
increased
main goals, which are to: The AASW will measure its success by: visibility. After consulting extensively
1. Promote and advocate for the • Sustained membership growth for twelve months with members, the
profession of social work and community, people who access social
• Being the voice for social justice in work services, government and the
AASW members
Australia sector, I am pleased to announce the
2. Be a strong voice for social justice
• Being leaders in professional publication of the Strategic Plan. It is now
3. Build the professional capacity of excellence in the social work sector a living document in which we outline
members how we will strengthen our representation
• Being a best practice Association
of social workers, regulate the profession
4. Uphold responsibilities for
Commenting on the Strategic Plan and make sure that social justice is always
regulation of the profession
2018–2021, AASW National President at the forefront of the public agenda.’
5. Advance Aboriginal and Torres Christine Craik said, ‘My vision is to
•
Strait Islander social work transform the future of social work and10 / NEWS
BECAUSE OF HER, WE CAN!
NAIDOC WEEK 8–15 JULY 2018
Aboriginal women bring valuable knowledge and experience to
social work practice, especially when working with Indigenous
clients and communities, says AASW Director and Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander representative Linda Ford.
‘Aboriginal women have played a are all positive things we can all do to ‘More than that, is the ability for social
significant role in protecting our engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait work to encourage Aboriginal and
culture and passing it on to our Islander peoples.’ Torres Strait Islander people to choose
children and this is what we are what is best for them rather than
Ms Ford chairs the AASW’s committee to
celebrating this NAIDOC. Being believing the only options are the ones
advance the Reconciliation Action Plan
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait presented to them. The most powerful
(RAP), which aims to embed Aboriginal
Islander is challenging; being an change only occurs when Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander knowledge
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait and Torres Strait Islander people are
into every aspect of the Association and the decision makers. The outcome is
Islander woman means that you are
to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait always going to be successful – even if
one of the strongest peoples in the
Islander social work practice. it fails.
world because of what you have had
to overcome to achieve anything ‘The RAP allows people space to ‘NAIDOC is about celebrating
worthwhile, as this group is one of the remember and think about how we Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
most discriminated against ’, engage with Aboriginal and Torres culture and our nation’s heritage. That
Ms Ford said in an interview to mark Strait Islander culture and people and we can all participate and that it is
NAIDOC week. to fold this into our everyday lives both seen in a positive light is extraordinary
personally and professionally. Further to given our history.’
‘I embrace that I have more skills and
this, it also gives us focus on what are the
knowledge to impart when working Ms Ford explained just how far
areas which will have the most impact
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal women have come with
and how we can include all Australians as
Islander communities because I am her own family experience, ‘My
one people.
Aboriginal and a woman. I often see grandmother Thelma Bird applied
the challenges in practice that others ‘I have always participated in some type twice for an exemption from the
do not see because I am Aboriginal of empowerment movement and RAP Aboriginal Protection Act so that she
and I can add a cultural lens to is a good fit as it empowers Aboriginal could have rights to make decisions
all the projects and practice I am and Torres Strait Islander people whilst about her life. Now less than sixty
engaged in.’ bringing all Australians along on the years later I, her granddaughter,
journey which also describes cultural can live where I want, have a tertiary
Ms Ford said there are ways for
practice perfectly. education, own my own home, travel
non-Indigenous Australians to
positively interact with Aboriginal and Ms Ford said social workers have an overseas, have married someone
Torres Strait Islander people. important role to play in addressing of my choosing, because the world
the continuing inequality and structural has changed so significantly. My
She said, ‘Something so simple as granddaughter is two. I wonder what
discrimination faced by Aboriginal and
wearing a shirt with an Aboriginal her world will look like in another
Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
print is a sign of acceptance which sixty years?’
encourages Aboriginal and Torres She said, ‘Social work is pivotal in
•
Strait Islander people to engage changing the landscape
with you. The little things are what of how we engage and
have the biggest impact and I often more importantly empower
promote this in my practice. Treating Aboriginal and Torres Strait
people with respect, taking the time Islander people. Social work
to talk and get to know someone. My and the AASW have the
favourite time is yarning with someone opportunity to be a vehicle to
(even though I have to consciously effect thinking on a national
give myself time to do this in my busy and global level in how we
schedule), being helpful by taking create space for Aboriginal
the time to explain things rather than and Torres Strait Islander
giving pamphlets. Showing a genuine people to be the drivers of
interest in other people and their story change and equality.
Listen to Linda Ford talk about NAIDOC 2018NEWS / 11
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE
WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
9 AUGUST 2018
Australian social workers commemorated the International Day of the World’s
Indigenous Peoples. This year’s theme is Indigenous peoples’ migration
and movement.
AASW Aboriginal and Torres Strait which many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Social workers have an important role
Islander director Linda Ford said, ‘As Islander children were removed and to play in addressing the continued
social workers, we are acutely aware placed away from their families. This injustice towards Aboriginal and
that the world’s Indigenous peoples caused significant fracturing within the Torres Strait Islander peoples.
are often one of the most vulnerable, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ms Ford said, ‘Social work is the lead
disempowered and marginalised cultures as many aspects of culture profession which is at the forefront
groups in society. were lost such as language, stories and of any social justice and equality
relationships as well as the decimating discussion or debate and the AASW
‘This means that as social workers we
impact of separation on children and is the voice for Australian social
have a responsibility to empower our
First Nations people to attain equality, families. workers. Social work also provides the
opportunities for research and public
through assisting them to access ‘The effects of these experiences are
discussion, opinion, debates and
services and supports, to value their still felt today throughout the whole media commentary to highlight the
ability to survive and overcome some Australian community as discussed in the plight of our vulnerable Australians
of the most horrific treatment and Apology speech of the then Australian including Aboriginal and Torres Strait
history and to promote and preserve Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008.’ Islander Australians.
two of the world’s oldest cultural
heritages. This is an opportunity to Ms Ford has used her position as an The United Nations declared that
celebrate how far we have come as experienced Aboriginal social worker 2019 will be the International Year of
First Nations people and how far to harness global power and solidarity Indigenous Languages.
as a country we still have to go in to advance justice for Aboriginal Ms Ford said, ‘Aboriginal and Torres
addressing the challenges that we are and Torres Strait Islander peoples Strait Islanders have recognised the
still facing and overcoming.’ in Australia. importance of language when it was
She said, ‘One of the opportunities proclaimed the NAIDOC theme in
This year’s theme of migration and
I’ve had is becoming a member of 2017. Aboriginal and Torres Strait
movement of Indigenous peoples
the International Federation of Social Islander Australians celebrated “Our
is a poignant one as it relates to Languages Matter”, 2–9 July 2017,
the Australian experience, Ms Ford Workers International Indigenous
which aimed to emphasise and
explained, ‘Many First Nations people Committee which represents all
celebrate the unique and essential
were dispossessed from their traditional Indigenous social workers across the
role that Indigenous languages play in
lands, their country and forced onto globe. This enables the AASW to have both cultural identity, linking people
reserves and missions which still exist an international voice in relation to the to their land and water, and in the
today. In some cases, these forced status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait transmission of Aboriginal and Torres
removals were punishments for Islander peoples in Australia. Strait Islander history, spirituality and
speaking out against conditions or rites, through story and song…’
‘Further to this, it gives me the
treatment of Indigenous people.
opportunity to contribute to media ‘Next year, it would be useful to revisit
‘People were forced away from their campaigns about Aboriginal and Torres some of the learnings from this year
families and country and sent to live Strait Islander people and encourage and how we as a nation celebrated
with other kinship groups which may members to speak at the national and languages in 2017 and develop these
have been culturally inappropriate to international level about key Aboriginal further to celebrate with the UN
live with. The most significant example and Torres Strait Islander challenges, in 2019.’
of this was the Stolen Generation in social status and achievements.’ •
Listen to our Mary Moylan Award
winner Josephine Lee talk about
International Day of the World’s
Indigenous Peoples12 / NEWS
THE FEDERAL BUDGET:
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
SPENDING ON HOMELESSNESS TO DROP
TO ITS LOWEST LEVEL IN A DECADE
The Federal Budget, handed down in May, was a missed opportunity to
provide a decent standard of living for Australia’s most disadvantaged
and for schools to be provided with highly trained mental health
professionals, the AASW’s National President Christine Craik said.
‘With $62.2 million for sovereign borders, ‘The Government’s decision to ignore The AASW welcomed some measures
but only $18.2 million for family violence, widespread community concern that contained in the Federal Budget.
it is easy to see that when the Government people relying on income support
Ms Craik said, ‘We welcome funding
says it wants to keep Australians safe, they are being kept in poverty, is a further
allocations to mental health and aged
don’t mean women and children at risk of indication of where the Government’s
care, in particular, the initiatives that
family violence,’ said Ms Craik. values lie. The Newstart rates are so low
address the mental health of people in
that they prevent people from finding
‘In this budget, the Government has residential aged care, the Aged Care
work: even the Business Council of
ignored an opportunity to overturn the Quality and Safety Commission and the
Australia agrees with what our members
punitive and harsh approach to the most support for people who are at risk of
see every day,’ she said.
vulnerable in our community.’ suicide. However, we can’t ignore the
While a provision in the budget for the fact that the harshest and most punitive
The AASW was disappointed to see that
extension of the School Chaplaincy changes are directed squarely at the most
this budget contains an expansion of
program goes some way to support vulnerable; they trap people in poverty
the automated debt recovery scheme,
students, people appointed to these and lock them out of work.
the extension of the cashless debit card,
positions are not adequately qualified
a lengthening of the period before ‘The AASW is keen to learn more about
to replace the lost programs to address
migrants can receive some welfare how these initiatives will be implemented,
bullying, and address other complex
benefits and automatic deduction of fines and to working with the Government to
issues young people are dealing with.
for people on income support. These are ensure that they achieve the best possible
Social workers are well placed to meet
all issues that the AASW has advocated outcomes for people. But we will continue
these needs.
against, highlighting the detrimental to advocate for the human rights and
effect on people who are often the least Ms Craik said, ‘Every school needs social social justice for the most disadvantaged
able to bear them. There was also very workers. The earlier we work with children and vulnerable in our community.
little to address climate change, which and families on issues resulting from
‘It is easy to see that this was a populist
will lead to more suffering for those most family violence, child sexual abuse and
budget for re-election, rather than a
vulnerable. systemic discrimination, the earlier we
proactive chance to address Australia’s
turn the tide on the increasing rates of
The AASW joins with many other social problems.’
youth mental health.’
community organisations and advocacy
•
groups who are dismayed that there were
no measures to address the housing
and homelessness crisis, with federal
spending in this area to drop to its lowest
level in a decade.
Ms Craik said, ‘People who are
experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness,
and struggling to maintain secure and
appropriate housing, will continue to face
ill health, stress and mental illness, and
fall back on already stretched services,
where social workers work and deal with
people who just want a home.NEWS / 13
‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE’ AT CHOGM
Representing the Commonwealth Organisation of Social Work (COSW) at the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London ‘was a great privilege’,
writes Naomi Spencer.
The 2018 Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held
in London, United Kingdom, in April.
The meeting began with the four forums
– the People’s, Business, Women’s, and
Youth forums – at which representatives
from across the Commonwealth’s 53
countries and various intergovernmental,
civil society, cultural and professional
organisations gathered. With member
states from each of the five inhabited
continents, the Commonwealth has 2.4
billion people who live within it, of whom
60% are under the age of 30.
I was one of the more than 350 delegates
who attended the People’s (Civil Society)
program over the three days. The
program combined panel discussions,
in-depth conversations, case studies
and creative expression. It provided
a platform for voices from across the
globe and concluded with a call to action Nobel laureate Malala Youdafzai addresses the People’s Forum
for a contemporary Commonwealth Photo: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
in the context of inclusive, just and
accountable governance.
The theme for the first day was ‘Leave On day three, which had the theme
On the first day UK Prime Minister,
no one behind’: Exploring Exclusion Accountable Governance: Understanding
Theresa May, welcomed the delegates, the Imperatives for a Renewed
in the Commonwealth. The day
telling us that the Commonwealth’s Commonwealth, delegates called on
concluded with an array of music, dance,
unity ‘gives us fantastic opportunities all development stakeholders to reflect
technology and innovation from across
and means we can face our shared on the responsibility of accountability,
the Commonwealth. It was wonderful. I
challenges together’. Bill Gates, who at all levels of governance. The
was proud to be a social worker from this
was on the welcoming panel, spoke of Forum concluded with a call on the
wonderful country of Australia.
his work with the Commonwealth and Commonwealth to respond to the vision
in particular, Rotary Clubs across the Politics of Hope: Taking on Injustice in set out by Commonwealth People’s
Commonwealth. His foundation has the Commonwealth was the theme for Forum 2018 in visualising what renewed
contributed to funding; organising and the next day. We examined Sustainable contemporary institutions look like.
seeing the eradication of polio in the Development Goal (SDG) 16, which
It was a great privilege to attend as an
Commonwealth. commits the global community to
Australian delegate representing the
‘Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
Other speakers were Andrew Holness, Commonwealth Organisation of Social
for sustainable development, provide
Prime Minister of Jamaica, who told us Work (COSW). What a privilege it is to
access to justice for all, and build
that the countries that suffer most from be a social worker, knowing that we can
effective, accountable, and inclusive make a difference; wherever we are.
climate change are the least involved with
institutions at all levels.’
decisions which impact it, and Malalah •
Youdafzai, the young Pakistani Nobel The Peoples’ Forum described the
laureate and activist for female education, environments that perpetuate injustice
urged us to enable all girls to attend and asked what it takes to challenge
school. Prince William welcomed and them. We described what a fairer future
thanked us for our commitment on behalf might look like when applied to some of
of Her Majesty the Queen, who, he said, the major issues facing the contemporary
continues to hold the Commonwealth Commonwealth and highlighted the role
close to her heart. of civic voices in achieving justice for all.14 / NEWS
AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL WORKERS ENDORSE
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA,
BIPHOBIA, INTERSEXISM AND TRANSPHOBIA
Thursday, 17 May was International Day Against Homophobia,
Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and is an incredibly
important date to support and advocate for the rights of same sex
attracted, intersex and gender diverse people across Australia,
and all over the world.
AASW National President Christine Craik role in creating a more inclusive, safe
said, ‘IDAHOBIT is an international day and supportive society. The theme also
aimed at raising awareness of the violence highlights the role everyone plays in
and discrimination faced by same sex challenging discriminatory behaviour in
attracted, intersex and gender diverse all aspects of our lives.
people and also an important celebration
Ms Craik highlighted the importance
of sexual and gender diversity.’
of addressing homophobia at an early
This year’s theme was ALLIANCES stage and said social workers endorse
for SOLIDARITY, emphasising how the Safe Schools program as essential to
collective action can play an important the Government’s national mental health
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COUNCIL HONOURS
SOCIAL WORKER
Port Phillip Council, in Melbourne, has honoured the memory
and contribution of Edythe McCallum, by naming a small
park in inner-city South Melbourne after her to honour her
contribution to the area.
Edythe McCallum, who died
in 2011, was the senior social
strategy. Alongside other credible mental worker for the then City of South
health professionals, social workers decry Melbourne from 1962 to 1981. She
any form of conversion therapy. was an advocate for the role of
Last year, the Council to Homeless social workers in local government
Persons published the LGBTQ and was active in the development
Homelessness Project, which found that: of a social work department at
the council.
• LBG people are at least twice as
likely as heterosexuals to experience Edythe’s contribution to the
homelessness provision of social housing was
another area for which she was
• People who identify as bisexual
honoured. Working with the
are much more likely to have at
Housing Commission and later the
least five repeated experiences of
Ministry of Housing, and also the
homelessness
Council, Edythe participated in the
• LGBTQ people are more likely planning processes to ensure that
to experience homelessness at a the needs of the community were
younger age and this is driven by addressed and that local residents
family rejection were given priority for social
housing built in the area.
• LGBTQ people experience Heather McKee OAM and Beris
misgendering, harassment, Heather McKee, who succeeded Campbell flank the plaque dedicated
violence and discrimination in Edythe as the senior social worker to Edythe McCallum
shared accommodation facilities, at the City of South Melbourne,
rooming houses and services, and unveiled the plaque at the
discrimination in private rental newly named Edythe McCallum
Reserve. She spoke of the way of Melbourne and Jane Miller,
• Fears of, or actual negative
that Edythe worked, ‘managing a President of the Social Work
experiences suffered in homelessness
busy department, working with Alumni, in recognition of Edythe’s
services are creating barriers to
colleagues to develop community relationship with the university in
help-seeking
services that met identified needs curriculum development and her
The LGBTQ Homelessness Project and working with community support of social work students
recommended that all homelessness leaders prepared to engage with in their placements. Edythe’s
and housing services should be LGBTIQ council in the delivery of much two sons were also present for
inclusive, that there be mandatory needed services to the local the dedication.
ongoing LGBTIQ training for staff at all community.’
homelessness and housing services Messages were also read out from
and that family violence interventions Heather’s own work in social Beris Campbell and Nancy Hogan,
recognise the impact of trauma and housing was acknowledged in who were unable to attend. Beris,
abuse towards LGBTIQ young people that June when she was awarded the who worked as a social worker
puts them at risk of homelessness. Medal of the Order of Australia at the council with Edythe and
(OAM) in this year’s Queen’s was mentored by her, and Nancy,
More information on IDAHOBIT Birthday Honours for services to from Caulfield Hospital, recalled
Safe Schools Coalition social welfare organisations. initiatives of Edythe’s, such as
South Port Community Nursing
• Present at the dedication of
Home, which provided aged care
the park were Professor Marie
beds for the local community.
Connolly, Head of the School
of Social Work at the University •You can also read
