Keynote Speakers

Robert is currently the Queensland health Chair of Social Work at the University of Queensland. He graduated with a BSW (Hons) from UQ in 1971 and completed an MSW in 1978 and PhD in 1987. He has worked as a mental health social worker for Queensland Health for many years, including positions in hospital and community settings. His research on the family experience of schizophrenia led to the establishment of a family intervention program at the Princess Alexandra hospital in Brisbane, and this program has been adapted for use in mental health settings across Australia.

Robert returned to UQ as a lecturer in Social Work in 1990. In 1998 he joined the staff at the University of Tasmania as Professor of Social Work and Head of School. He has been active in a number of national committees for the AASW including the mental health committee and the practice standards committee, and the Mental Health Council of Australia. He has been President of the Australian Council of Heads of Schools of Social Work, a board member for 9 years of Anglicare Tasmania, and a board member of Aspire.

Robert has published widely in the area of social work and mental health practice. He has been a keynote speaker at national and international conferences in mental health. His research interests include social work practice, practice standards, families and mental health, spirituality and mental health, and social inclusion.