Launch of Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering
Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, the Honourable Ann Leahy MP; Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, the Honourable Andrew Powell; Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business, the Honourable Steven Minnikin; Assistant Ministers; Members of Parliament; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I, too, wish to acknowledge the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this afternoon.
I’m very pleased to be here, lending my support to a process that I am hopeful — and confident — will yield valuable insights into the state of volunteering in Queensland.
Any and all efforts to support those across our state who give freely of their time and energy to benefit others are to be welcomed, applauded and supported.
Volunteering is the heart of our communities. From our regional and remote areas to our bustling cities, volunteers contribute in countless ways, strengthening our social fabric and providing services that enhance the well-being of every Queenslander.
Whether in emergency response, supporting vulnerable people, or enriching local cultural and sporting groups, volunteering touches every corner of our society.
The economic and social value of volunteering in Queensland is hard to measure — but not impossible, as it turns out.
Thanks to the tireless advocacy work of Volunteering Queensland, of which I am the proud Patron, we know that in 2024, the value of volunteering to the state was estimated to be around 118 billion dollars.
This speaks to the scale and impact of volunteer contributions, which I believe are felt far beyond any financial measure.
And despite these extraordinary figures, we’ve seen a slight decline in the number of people volunteering in recent years.
That’s why we’re here today. We must work together to address these trends, to ensure that volunteering remains a part of the fabric of our lives, and to support the organisations that make it all possible.
We must also acknowledge that the path to volunteering is not always straightforward.
Barriers such as time constraints, lack of support, and financial pressures can make it difficult for many people to engage in volunteering.
And for the organisations that rely on volunteers, challenges such as recruitment and retention are ever-present. On top of this, they must often closely manage their volunteer labour, keeping helping hands busy and spirits high.
This inquiry will no doubt help us identify these barriers more clearly and understand the specific needs of organisations that rely on volunteers.
It is a timely and important step in recognising the tremendous value of volunteering across our state and ensuring that the vital work of volunteers is supported for years to come.
I’d like to take this moment to thank the 2.8 million Queenslanders aged 15 and above who volunteered this year. Their commitment and passion typify the generosity of spirit that defines our state.
Undoubtedly this inquiry will serve to amplify their efforts and contribute toward building a Queensland that is stronger, more connected, and more compassionate.
Thank you.