University of Tasmania, Australia

Welcome to the School of Sociology and Social Work

In this UTAS Open Day public lecture, Dr Anne Coleman introduces us to the School of Sociology and Social Work, explores some of the areas that can be studied within the School, and elaborates on her personal area of expertise in homelessness. This lecture is presented by the UTAS Faculty of Arts.

Social work as a profession

Homelessness: perceptions and misconceptions

Helping people to address the issues they themselves have identified

Respect for the individual

Social justice

Do multinationals pay a fair tax rate in Australia?

Making sure that everyone has equal opportunity

Do people get a fair chance?

How far can you go without a good start in life?

Australia as a prosperous nation, and the divisions of society

Bridging the class gap and making Australia a ‘just’ country

Professional Integrity

Honesty

Respect for others opinions

Homelessness in Australia

105,000 approx homeless people in Australia

Different levels of homelessness

Primary homelessness –

• visible/literal homelessness – ‘sleeping out’

Secondary homelessness –

• People with no permanent or secure shelter of their own
• ‘Sofa surfing’
• Women entering into dangerous situations to avoid ‘sleeping out’

Tertiary Homelessness –

• Women in domestic violence situations
• Unregistered boarding houses

Untenable environments which create homelessness in unusual areas of the community

Social Work in relation to homelessness

Important traits in dealing with homeless people

• Competent
• Friendly
• Informed
• Advocacy
• Willingness to change the system.
• Systems advocacy

Research to make social changes

• Collecting stories
• Help policy makers to change the system
• Moving the focus from the helping individual to changing the system

Changing policy

• All your skills come together to effect change
• Helping people to understand homelessness
• Effecting change in the department of Housing