Support to help volunteers
There are a range of materials, resources and support to help people volunteer their time. It’s also important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer.
Rights, responsibilities and reimbursement for volunteers
The Centre for Volunteering says volunteers have the right to:
- Be treated as co-workers. This includes job descriptions, Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health & Safety, anti-discrimination legislation and organisational grievance processes.
- Be asked for their permission before any job-related reference, police or other checks are conducted.
- To do a job or task worthwhile to them, for no more than 16 hours a week on a regular basis in one role.
- Know the purpose and “ground rules” of the organisation.
- Appropriate orientation and training for the job.
- Be kept informed of organisational changes and the reasons for the changes.
- A place to work and suitable tools for the job.
- Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
- Be heard and make suggestions.
- Personal accident insurance (in place of workers compensation insurance).
- A verbal reference or statement of service, if appropriate.
Volunteers should understand their rights and responsibilities when taking on the role of a volunteer. For example, volunteers should be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses like travel costs or phone calls.
Read Volunteering Australia’s guide to volunteers and payments.
Child Care Subsidy is available for volunteers
Volunteering is an approved activity under the Child Care Subsidy.
Read more on Services Australia about recognised activities volunteers can do to receive the subsidy if they need to pay for child care.
Work health safety (WHS) for volunteers
Volunteers must have a safe place to volunteer.
Read more about work health safety for volunteers on SafeWork.
Volunteer involving organisations should read Safe Work Australia's guide to WHS duties.