- The Crisafulli Government has tabled its response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering in Queensland.
- Inquiry recommendations are supported in principle with 18 government-led initiatives to deliver growth and support for the sector.
- The Crisafulli Government to implement three immediate initiatives and kick-start 10-year volunteering plan.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and delivering on a key election commitment to strengthen volunteering across the State.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered on a key election commitment, after tabling its response to the Inquiry into Volunteering in Queensland and promising to act now to deliver for the State's unsung heroes and volunteering sector into the future.
The response supports each of the Inquiry's recommendations in principle, outlining 18 practical initiatives to better empower and strengthen the sector.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future, with a key part of the plan to increase volunteer participation in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
Central to the Crisafulli Government's response is the development of a 10-year volunteering plan, and the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Panel and whole-of-government Volunteering Working Group.
Designed in collaboration with volunteer sector stakeholders, the 10-year volunteering plan will define a strategic vision for Queensland's volunteer sector into the future.
The Advisory Panel will ensure sector voices continue to inform government decision making and the Working Group will deliver and report on government-led initiatives to empower the sector.
The Crisafulli Government will also provide a one-off funding boost to Queensland's four existing regional Volunteer Resource Centres (Volunteering North Queensland, Volunteering Gold Coast, FNQ Volunteers and Volunteering Sunshine Coast). This will assist regional volunteer support while longer-term viable models are considered.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was committed to continuing its work with the volunteer sector to improve opportunities for growth and recognition.
"We promised Queensland volunteers and volunteering organisations a fresh start and that's what the Crisafulli Government is delivering," Minister Leahy said.
"In just over a year, we have delivered the Inquiry and our response which will serve as the foundation for support to empower the sector, improving the future of volunteering in our State.
"We recognise that results are not driven by government alone but by volunteers and volunteer organisations being free to excel in what they do best.
"More than 500 voices informed the Inquiry's report, and we will continue to listen to and work with our volunteers to create a solid foundation that enhances outcomes for volunteering and delivers benefits for all Queenslanders.
"Queensland volunteers are the backbone of our communities' resilience and strength. I thank each and every one for their passion, dedication and selfless contributions as we work together for the sector and this incredible state we call home," Minister Leahy said.
CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said she welcomed the Crisafulli Government's response.
"I am pleased to see the Government stepping up a comprehensive response to the Inquiry that recognises just how critical volunteers are to keeping our Queensland communities functioning and connected.
"These initiatives will help us to work through the existing barriers to volunteering and find new ways of responding to changing community needs. The Advisory and Working Groups will ensure that everyone has a say in shaping the future of volunteering in our state.
"This is just the beginning – I look forward to working with the Government and the sector to build Queensland's first 10 year Volunteering Plan and create the infrastructure needed to support, grow, and celebrate volunteering into the future."
