Social Workers Registration Act 2003
Summary of changes
These summaries explain recent changes to the law. They are generated by AI comparing versions of the legislation, so they might oversimplify, miss details, or get things wrong. Learn more about how we track these changes.


28 February 2026
- Section 13 has been repealed to no longer allow the Board to recognise practical experience in certain cases
- The term 'Commissioner for Children' has been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner' in complaints procedures
- The reference to section 8A in Schedule 1AA has been updated to link to a different legislative resource
- The power to obtain information has been transferred from the chief executive to the Board with an amended request process
- The word 'department' has been replaced with 'Board' in sections 147B(1) and 147B(2) effective 1 July 2025
Affected provisions
- 1AA: Transitional, savings, and related provisionsThe reference to section 8A in Schedule 1AA has been updated to link to a different legislative resource
- 13: Board may recognise practical experience in certain casesSection 13 has been repealed to no longer allow the Board to recognise practical experience in certain cases
- 59: Complaints against social workersThe term 'Commissioner for Children' has been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner' in complaints procedures
- 71: Determination of complaint or notice of conviction by professional conduct committeeThe term 'Commissioner for Children' has been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner' in complaints procedures
- 147A: Power to obtain informationThe power to obtain information has been transferred from the chief executive to the Board with an amended request process
- 147B: PrivilegeThe word 'department' has been replaced with 'Board' in sections 147B(1) and 147B(2) effective 1 July 2025
8 August 2025
- The term 'Commissioner for Children' has been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner' in complaints procedures
- The power to obtain information has been transferred from the chief executive to the Board with amended request procedures
- The word 'department' has been replaced with 'Board' in privilege provisions, effective 1 July 2025
Affected provisions
- 59: Complaints against social workersThe term 'Commissioner for Children' has been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner' in complaints procedures
- 71: Determination of complaint or notice of conviction by professional conduct committeeThe term 'Commissioner for Children' has been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner' in complaints procedures
- 147A: Power to obtain informationThe power to obtain information has been transferred from the chief executive to the Board with amended request procedures
- 147B: PrivilegeThe word 'department' has been replaced with 'Board' in privilege provisions, effective 1 July 2025
