Amendments to the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 were passed by the House today as the Social Workers Registration Amendment Bill passed its third reading.
The policy and technical amendments to the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 (the Act) will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its operation. The SWRB welcomes these changes, which were recommended following the 2020 review of the Act. SWRB undertakes a review every five years, with this review being prior to mandatory registration coming into effect.
The amendments include:
- transferring from MSD the power to investigate and prosecute people who falsely claim to be/employ registered social workers. This will ensure there is a single point of contact for all matters related to social worker registration
- clarification of the Board’s role in monitoring the provision and delivery of prescribed social work qualifications
- increasing the pool of social workers appointed to the Tribunal which will speed up the Tribunal formation process.
Having the social work profession as the focus of the House provides a valuable opportunity for members to express their appreciation for the work that social workers do, while reinforcing the value of regulation in building trust and confidence. At each stage of the parliamentary process, members have recognised the professionalism of social workers and the valuable work that occurs across the country.
You can read Minister for Social Developmnent and Employment Louise Upston’s statement about the passing of this legislation: Social worker legislation strengthens professional oversight
The Ministry of Social Development holds policy responsibility for the Act. You can read more about the bill here: disclosure.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/63/
Published 27/03/25