Advocacy and Policy
As the peak body for volunteering in Western Australia we work with policy makers at all levels of government. Public policy can help – or hinder – the inclusion, advancement and celebration of volunteering.
We seek to work constructively and proactively to support evidence-based policy that is reflective of the experience of volunteers and our members.
We work closely with Volunteering Australia and other state and territory volunteering peak bodies to advocate on issues of national importance and work collaboratively to align policy with industry best practice.
Volunteering WA is active in a number of policy initiatives including participation in the Minister for Volunteering’s Volunteer Community Reference Group and making or contributing to submissions and reports.
Our Volunteer Leaders and Volunteer Resource Centres Networks contribute to policy priorities and settings.
In addition to these more formal channels, we build relationships, undertake research and gather data and information to inform and support policy positions. This work can lead to the development of volunteering information resources such as fact sheets and other publications.
Key themes
While the breadth of areas that volunteering touches on is highly diverse, common themes include the need for:
- Recognition of the diversity of portfolios which benefit and rely on volunteering
- Greater and more explicit consultation with and recognition of volunteering sector
- Funded national and state based volunteering strategies
- Increased investment in volunteering infrastructure and capacity
- New approaches to adapt to changes in volunteer participation.
Advocacy and policy submissions
See below for the public submissions we have made, solely or in collaboration with Volunteering Australia or volunteering peak bodies in other states or territories.
- Submission to the Select Committee on COVID-19
- Submission to the Senate Inquiry: Lessons to be Learned in Relation to the Australian Bushfire Season 2019-20
- Submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements
- COVID-19 #2 Safeguarding Volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations
- Department of Social Services VMA Review 2020
- COVID-19 #1 Volunteering and National Policy Settings
- COVID-19: Information for volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations
- Response to Aust. Government Compensation Scheme
Sample Policy and Procedures for Volunteer Managers
Volunteering WA has developed a sample Policies and Procedures handbook for use in not-for-profit organisations which can be found here.
Volunteer Community Reference Group
The Volunteering Community Reference Group is established under the direction of the Hon Minister for Volunteering. The purpose of the Volunteering Community Reference Group is to provide a direct voice on volunteering issues from the sector to government.
View the members of the Volunteering Community Reference Group here.
Get involved
If you would like to provide feedback or please contact our Senior Policy Advisor at info@volunteeringwa.org.au.