Clause 1 is the Title clause.
Clause 2 provides that the Bill comes into force 1 year after it receives the Royal assent. The delayed commencement allows time for social workers to become registered.
Clause 3 provides that the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 is the principal Act.
Clause 4 amends section 3, the purpose section, by removing the purpose of providing for the Social Workers Registration Board to promote the benefits of the registration of social workers. This purpose will not be necessary when registration is mandatory.
Clause 5 amends section 4, the definitions section, to insert definitions of social worker and unregistered or deregistered social worker.
Clause 6 inserts a new section 5A, requiring persons practising social work to be registered and to hold a current practising certificate.
Clause 7 deletes section 25, which requires registered social workers to hold practising certificates, as it has been superseded by the new section 5A inserted by clause 6.
Clause 8 inserts a new section 85A, which provides for the Social Workers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal to deal with unregistered and deregistered social workers.
Clause 9 amends section 99, which deals with the functions of the Social Workers Registration Board, by removing the function of providing for the Board to promote the benefits of the registration of social workers. This function will not be necessary when registration is mandatory.
Clause 10 amends section 148, which provides for offences, by making it an offence for persons to practise social work if they are not both registered and current practising certificates holders.