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

Volunteering 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.