Students are deterred from completing their bachelor of social work as they cannot sustain 1000hrs of unpaid work plus the cost of the degree. Higher education should be accessible to everyone and we believe this proposal will be the first step to achieving this. 

We are addressing the exploitation of students' uncompensated labour on their mandatory two field placements. Students studying the Bachelor of Social Work are required by the AASW to complete 1000 hrs of placement, however, the AASW Education and Accreditation Standards do not state that the 1000 hrs of work placement needs to be non-compensatory. 

Our proposal is for students to be compensated for their labour by offsetting the cost of their tuition calculated by the total hours worked multiplied by the minimum wage standard to be set off against the student education loan (HECS) at the end of successful completion of the Social Work bachelor degree.

This is an urgent issue as students are struggling more than ever, are unable to complete the course, and drop out. If students could receive a form of recognition for their field education, the degree could be more accessible. The students, if able to complete the course, would bring in the most valuable skills and life experiences.  

The outcomes of this proposal will greatly benefit the Social Work community as the reduced financial pressure may increase retention and improve the rate of graduation for Social Work students, resulting in a larger pool of qualified Social Workers. Our proposed social action campaign will have the impact of generating awareness of the inequality and injustice experienced by Social Work students and the barriers to attaining the qualification.

Please help us by signing and sharing this petition to demand Western Sydney University provide long overdue compensation to Social Work students.