NORTHE JOINS CALL FOR VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

The Nationals candidate for Morwell, Russell Northe, has joined Nationals Leader Peter Ryan in calling for better government support for community volunteers.

Mr Northe said onerous government regulations and red tape had become a drain on the energy and enthusiasm of many of Victoria's committed volunteers.

"The spirit of volunteerism underpins country football and netball clubs and our local emergency and community services," said Mr Northe.

"It is true to say that without the magnificent effort of local volunteers, our community would be less vibrant, less active and less secure.

"I share Nationals Leader, Peter Ryan's concern that the excessive administrative burden being carried by our volunteers may be contributing to 'volunteer fatigue' in rural and regional Victoria.

"Having coached local footy in the past, I know many of our local sporting leagues simply couldn't survive without the magnificent efforts of volunteers. And in country Victoria we depend absolutely on CFA volunteers to provide vital emergency services in our community."

Mr Northe said volunteers need to be supported in their roles by government.

"Volunteers are the backbone of our community so it is concerning to hear many are becoming overwhelmed by administrative tasks and thinking twice about committing time and effort to local clubs and organisations."

"OHS requirements, police checks for volunteers, safe handling of food, responsible serving of alcohol and insurance requirements are just some of regulatory requirements imposed on volunteers by government.

"With such an administrative burden, it's little surprise it is becoming harder to find people who have the skills, experience, time and energy to volunteer their services to local organisations.

"The CFA, SES, St John's Ambulance, Volunteer Coast Guard, Surf Lifesaving Australia and Meals on Wheels are some of the many programs dependent on volunteers to provide support and protection to the Victorian community.

"I believe volunteers should be supported by government in recognition of the magnificent contribution they make. Often this contribution is not just time, but money in the form of lost income.

"The Nationals plan to reimburse emergency services volunteers the cost of their car registration is just one example of how government can step up to the task of supporting our local volunteers - but certainly other steps are required to streamline regulation, cut unnecessary red tape and reduce the administrative burden placed upon Victoria's volunteering community."

Gippsland MP, Peter Hall said the Bracks Government had made little more than a token effort to address the problems facing country football and netball clubs.

"The 2004 Parliamentary Inquiry into Country Football highlighted many of the problems facing our country footy clubs but the Bracks Governments response has been paltry at best," said Mr Hall.

"There has been some funding allocated for facility improvements which The Nationals have supported, but it clearly doesn't go far enough.

"The government has shown it is willing to plough millions of dollars into new stadiums in Melbourne but not prepared to support country Victoria's grassroots sporting clubs.

"The Nationals believe the government and the AFL should make a bigger contribution to grassroots football and netball in the country.

"If we could secure the services of paid administrators in every league to act as a resource and a support for individual clubs, we would ease the burden on our volunteers.

"This is something the government should consider, but certainly the AFL also has a role in supporting the clubs that regularly nurture the future stars of the Australian league."

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066