The Liberal Government is committed to supporting our volunteers.
Tasmania’s older people fulfil a broad range of volunteering roles, both formally, within areas such as emergency services, sport and recreation, and the environment; and informally, such as caring for grandchildren, family, friends and neighbours.
The 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census indicates that the volunteering rate of Tasmanians aged 65 plus years was 22 per cent, higher than the national level of 20 per cent.
In recognition of this, the Liberal Government has committed to providing an increased level of funding of $125 000 per year for two years to COTA Tasmania, to support the implementation of the Inclusive Ageing: Tasmania 2012-2014 Strategy.
The Strategy seeks to increase the capacity for all older Tasmanians to be fully included in community life. A number of projects are currently being progressed as part of the Strategy, including the Inclusive Ageing Volunteering Project.
The project has resulted in a series of mini videos and posters, and a research report that recognises and aims to enhance the significant voluntary contribution of unpaid work that older Tasmanians make.
The videos provide an insight into some of Tasmania’s older volunteers; both the contribution they make and the rewards they receive through their participation and they may be viewed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s website at www.dpac.tas.gov.au.
Tasmanians are extraordinarily generous with volunteering their time to help others. Volunteers work in Tasmania represents 2.2 per cent of Gross State Product, and has a value equivalent to 5.9 per cent of total employee wages.
The Liberal Government recognises and celebrates the contribution of older volunteers around the state.
Guy Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier
