There have been mixed results for volunteering in the 2018-19 Federal Budget. While we acknowledge the Government’s contributions to the sector through the Volunteer Management Activity and annual Volunteer Grants, we are disappointed that there is no strategic approach to grow a culture of giving in Australia.
Volunteering Australia CEO Adrienne Picone said, “We outlined a number of recommendations in our pre-budget submission, but these have been overlooked. Despite some positive measures more broadly in mental health, education, sport and aged care, there is an absence of comprehensive budgetary measures that are aimed at building the capacity of the volunteering sector.”
“There are 5.8 million Australians who are engaged in formal volunteering activities and programs. This figure does not account for the millions of other Australians who informally give their time to volunteering programs, activities and initiatives. This volunteering yields a 450% return for every dollar invested. Nationally this is an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion”, said Ms Picone.
Read our full media release here.
To read a more detailed analysis of the volunteering-related budget measures, view Volunteering Australia’s Summary Analysis of Key 2018-19 Budget Measures here.
