New legislation passed in Parliament aims to tighten up safety measures for vulnerable New Zealanders.
The Social Workers Registration Amendment Bill, which passed its third reading, includes six policy changes and 10 technical amendments. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Act by strengthening protections and operations. According to Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston, the legislation reduces risk to vulnerable members of the public by allowing social workers accused of wrongdoing to be stood down before a formal investigation or criminal proceeding has started.
The new law also requires social workers to formally register with the Social Workers Registration Board and hold a practicing certificate, which must be renewed each year. This move increases transparency within the profession and brings it in line with similar professions like health, teaching, and law that have mandatory registration. The legislation responds to the 2020 review of the Social Workers Registration Legislation Act by providing fit-for-purpose occupational regulation to ensure safety for both social workers and the public throughout New Zealand.