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 Volunteering 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.

Volunteering WA's Reconciliation Action Plan

Volunteering WA acknowledges the devastation that has been wrought historically through the alienation from land, separation of families, violence to communities and systemic racism.  We also acknowledge the significant shortcomings today of opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal people in WA, in a range of areas including health, justice, education and employment. By committing to understanding our past, working together to overcome racism, renewing focus on closing the gap, creating opportunities for all and providing a voice for traditional owners in our Constitution, we can contribute to meaningful reconciliation and a more just and hopeful future.

Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan | July 2022 - December 2023: On behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers of Volunteering WA, we are pleased to launch our inaugural Reflect RAP. At its heart, it represents our commitment to strengthen relationships with the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work, rest and play.

The Volunteering WA team will work together to implement our commitments outlined in our 2022-23
Reflect Reconciliation Act Plan (PDF)

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 under Resources.

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.

Get Involved

If you would like to provide feedback or please contact our Senior Policy Advisor at info@volunteeringwa.org.au.