Fee hikes for social work courses put community at risk

La Trobe University Shepparton Master of Social Work course co-ordinator Corina Modderman said if the fee increases were approved by the Federal Government, social work students would struggle to pay back student debts.

“Social work will be a very expensive course, which isn’t fair,” she said.

“Many of our students are first in family to come to university, First Nations peoples, or have a refugee background. Our students don’t come with privilege and are committed to social justice.”

Ms Modderman said there was already a "huge shortage" of social workers in Shepparton in an area with high levels of family violence, an ageing population, high numbers of refugees and people with trauma.

“Our students are coming out of our community and they want to work here, but these fee increases are putting unfair strain on our students,” she said.

ACT Curious Employee Assistance Program director Michelle Trudgen said while social work fees would increase under the government's university fee restructuring, psychology course fees would drop.

“It's crucial for people to understand that clinical social workers provide mental health treatment just as psychologists do,” she said.

“Without them, there won't be enough qualified workers to assist vulnerable people and treat mental health.

“A lot of people don't understand that when they want to see a psychologist, they're actually seeing a highly qualified social worker.”

There are more than 20,000 social workers across Australia, and by 2024 there will be a 29 per cent increase in demand for social workers, according to Save Social Work Australia.

Despite this, the Federal Government is slashing Commonwealth contributions to social work degrees by 91 per cent while also doubling student contributions.

University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health Shepparton director Lisa Bourke said the fee increases further threatened the rural mental health workforce, which already endured significant shortages.

“Such a fee increase is unacceptable for a course that does not lead to high-paying jobs, but rather focuses on the wellbeing of others in our community,” she said.

Shepparton social worker Amy Southwell said the need for social workers had spiked throughout COVID-19, with university fee increases potentially discouraging social work students from re-enrolling at a time of need.

“We need social workers, especially in regional towns, so with fee increases there’s a worry students just won’t re-enroll, so we won't have the workers to meet the needs of our vulnerable families,” she said.

Shepparton Psychologists Group co-ordinator and local clinic Pure Empowerment director Rachael Willis said there was about one psychologist for every 10,000 people in Shepparton, while Melbourne had one for every 2000 or 3000 people.

“An increase in fees will lead to less students being able to afford to complete such courses and qualify to provide services in the local area,” she said.

A Department of Education, Skills and Employment spokesperson said as part of the reforms, universities had the option to charge below the rate cap for degrees such as social work.

“Students can also reduce their total student contribution by choosing electives in subjects like mathematics, English, science and IT within their degree and give them skills in areas of expected job demand,” the spokesperson said.

Save Social Work Australia is lobbying the government to reduce social work degree fees through recognising social work as an allied health profession.