Editorial – 50th anniversary issue

Abstract

The first piece is an editorial commentary by Caz Thomson which challenges us to keep an eye to the past as we move forward into the future. The questions raised by Caz challenge all of us in regard to how we exercise our obligations as citizens and professionals. Such questions are particularly pertinent in an election year where social inequality, poverty, human rights and basic human needs are issues for a significant proportion of the people who access social and welfare services. Life member Mike O’Brien’s article also makes links to the signs of the time and the profession’s response to them, through an insightful and interesting contrast of the public issues in the media and the Association’s journal at three significant points in time. Another life member, Liz Beddoe, explores the history of social work education, the impact of the current environment, professionalisation and social worker registration on social work education. This article concludes by emphasising the workforce development challenges ahead and the investment required to advance the profession beyond having a baseline professional entry degree.