Mond

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTEERS VITAL: NATS

The Nationals Spokesman for Emergency Services, Bill Sykes, has called on the Premier to adopt The Nationals policy to increase volunteer numbers across Victoria.

Dr Sykes said a recent survey revealing one in four volunteers plan to reduce or stop their volunteer work highlighted the need for the State Government to take positive action to support volunteers.

The Costs of Volunteering Survey also reveals more than 80% of volunteers believe increasing out-of-pocket expenses make it difficult to volunteer.

“It’s a little recognised fact, but volunteers regularly contribute more than just time on behalf of their community,” Dr Sykes said.

“Most face costs associated with their volunteer role that can be difficult to meet on top of their day to day expenses. The Nationals believe these costs provide a disincentive to many prospective volunteers and the results of this survey indicate we’re right.

“We went to the recent election with a policy of reimbursing emergency services volunteers the cost of their car registration and third party insurance because we believe the government has a role to play in boosting volunteer numbers.

“We received widespread support for this policy from the volunteer community, with many people telling us they struggle with the costs of volunteering.

“With the re-election of the Labor Government, it’s vital that Premier Steve Bracks takes some positive steps to stem the decline in volunteer numbers.

“I will personally be recommending he adopt our policy of reimbursing volunteers the cost of their personal car registration and third-party insurance. It’s a good idea and it’s only appropriate he supports it.”

Long serving Gippsland MP, Peter Hall, said The Nationals wanted to recognise the crucial service that emergency services volunteers provided on behalf of all Victorians.

“It’s estimated Victoria saves $480 million a year from having a large force of volunteer fire fighters – without them, we’d struggle to protect lives and property from fires such as those burning through the Alpine National Park at the moment,” Mr Hall said.

“Yet in many parts of the state, emergency services volunteer numbers have dropped and the average age of volunteers is increasing. The Costs of Volunteering survey indicates we stand to lose even more volunteers without appropriate action being taken.

“The Nationals believe the State Government must do more to encourage active volunteering in our community,” Mr Hall said.

“Our proposal is a way for the community to acknowledge the selfless work of emergency services volunteers and say ‘thanks for the great job you are doing’.

“While our focus has been on the emergency services volunteers who are on the frontiline protecting the community, we also want to work with the government to devise better means to support the wider volunteering community including carers.”

Mr Hall called on the community to get behind emergency services volunteers and paid staff currently fighting fires throughout the state.

“It’s a sobering fact that so early in the summer volunteers are already on the job protecting the community from bushfire and it’s clear we face a tough fire season ahead,” Mr Hall said.

“We all need to give our full support to these volunteers, paid fire fighters and the magnificent auxiliary groups who provide for them.”