26 February 2018
MAKING A STAND FOR SA VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers will benefit financially with the proposed abolishment of fees for working with children and other screening checks.
Labor have announced that volunteers, over the age of 60, will no longer have to pay for screening clearances if they are re-elected in the SA State Election next month.
The Liberals have promised to scrap the fee for all volunteers and to investigate the excessive delays in the screening process.
They have also pledged to extend the world-first WeDo volunteering app, which connects volunteers to organisations.
Jan Sutherland CEO, Sport SA (Volunteering SA&NT member organisation) said that they have welcomed the commitment by Labor to invest in sport infrastructure. The announcement of the free screening checks covers some of the volunteers in clubs and associations.
“Sport has the most volunteers of any sector and we need a commitment that all volunteers will receive the free screenings.
“It’s great that they have recognised the contribution of our senior members, but it needs to include the whole team”, said Jan
Evelyn O’Loughlin, CEO Volunteering SA&NT said the screening checks, managed by the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI), are just one issue hindering the future of volunteering in this State.
“We have identified a further three key concerns that pose a threat to a safe, effective and sustainable volunteering sector”, said Ms O’Loughlin.
The other issues are the appointment of a Not-for-Profit and Volunteering Advocate, continued funding of the Volunteering Strategy for South Australia and retaining the dedicated Volunteering Government Portfolio and the continuation of the office of Minister for Volunteers.
“With volunteering playing such a significant part in the life of South Australians, we need to help in any way we can - to ensure their volunteering experiences are positive and rewarding”, Ms O’Loughlin said.
Media enquiries and interviews
Evelyn O’Loughlin, CEO
T 8221 7177 M 0421 724 272
E evelyn.oloughlin@volunteeringsa-nt.org.au
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Proposal 1: Free DCSI Screening for Volunteers |
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To reduce and/or remove barriers to volunteering through excessive paperwork and expense, Volunteering SA&NT seeks to abolish all fees for DCSI screening, which in turn, will see an increase in volunteer numbers, social capital and economic growth. |
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Proposal 2: Not-for-Profit and Volunteering Advocate |
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To ensure real solutions to the existing gaps in dispute resolution, protections for volunteers and risk mitigation, Volunteering SA&NT seeks the establishment and funding of a new Not-for-Profit and Volunteering Advocate position. |
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Proposal 3: Beyond 2020 – Continued Support and Funding for the Volunteering Strategy for South Australia |
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To ensure that volunteering is recognised as both an important barometer of community wellbeing and fundamental to a sustainable South Australia, Volunteering SA&NT seek support for a further six years for the Volunteering Strategy for South Australia (2021-2027). |
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Proposal 4: Retention of a Dedicated Volunteering Government Portfolio and the Continuation of the office of Minister for Volunteers |
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Proposal 4: To ensure that volunteering is considered in major policy and budget decisions, with a coordinated approach across all departments, Volunteering SA&NT seeks commitment for a dedicated volunteering government portfolio and the continuation of the office of Minister for Volunteers |
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Proposal 5: Ongoing Funding for WeDo Volunteering Smart Phone App |
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To ensure the continued success and durability of the App in inspiring young people to connect with their community and volunteer, Volunteering SA&NT seeks ongoing funding for the maintenance and enhancement of the WeDo App. |
SA State Election 2018
Volunteering Sector Proposals
Summary
Facts
- Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.
- More than 920,000 South Australians volunteer formally and informally.
- Alarmingly, formal volunteering is decreasing in South Australia, from a high of 51% in 2006, to 42% today, adding pressure on volunteers who serve in vital areas such as emergency services, disability and aged care.
- South Australian volunteers contribute about 1.7 million volunteer hours each week, equivalent to 107,400 full-time jobs.
- This volunteering effort is valued at almost $5 billion each year.
- 20,864 registered SA not-for-profit organisations and volunteer associations, with 80% having no employees, have limited income mainly raised through fundraising activities as opposed to grants.