Social work research in Australia

Abstract

What are the main trends in Australian social work research, and where should it be heading? This article discusses these questions and their implications for social work education in Australia. The current Australian context presents both challenges and opportunities to the undertaking of social work research. Although jobs are threatened by de-professionalisation, with less room for research, there remains a strong discourse about the needs and value of research, which is underpinned by the requirements of the professional accrediting body. There is also clear support for a range of methods and approaches which allow for more integration of research and practice. In addition, current research undertaken by Australian social workers demonstrates a mixture of methods. It is concluded that the Australian situation holds the potential to provide leadership in developing more inclusive methods and approaches to foster the development of more complex forms of practice research.