MEDIA STATEMENT: Public hearings to shape future of Queensland volunteering sector 

Public hearings to shape future of Queensland volunteering sector 

• More than 500 submissions received for Supporting Our Volunteers Parliamentary Inquiry.
• Public hearings to commence Monday 24 March, volunteers and community organisations encouraged to register to attend.
• Committee report to be delivered to the Government by September 2025. 

More than 500 Queensland volunteers and organisations have had their say, as the Crisafulli Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering heads to South East Queensland for public hearings next week. 

The Supporting Our Volunteers Parliamentary Inquiry will start public hearings in Dalby and Toowoomba on Monday 24 March and continue across the region next week, as the Crisafulli Government takes action to address declining volunteer numbers under Labor.

Delivered as an election commitment in the Crisafulli Government’s first 100 Days, the inquiry has heard from 542 people and organisations, from the Far North to the Gold Coast, noting Labor’s cost of living crisis and lack of business support proving key themes from submissions. 

Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said recent weather events in North and South East Queensland had reaffirmed the vital contribution volunteers make to Queensland. 

“From the SES volunteers to the JPs in Community Recovery hubs across the State, our volunteers’ selfless work and passion to make a difference is the cornerstone of any effective disaster response and recovery,” Minister Leahy said. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring our passionate and hardworking volunteers have the resources and can find a better way forward for the sector. 

“We are working to identify and address the barriers to volunteering so we can reverse the decline in numbers.” 

Public hearings will be held at the following locations:  

• Dalby - Monday, 24 March 2025 - 10:30am - 12:15pm, Dalby Leagues Club, Orpen Street, Dalby.
• Toowoomba - Monday, 24 March 2025 - 2:45pm - 4:15pm, Burke & Wills, 554 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.
• Gympie - Tuesday, 25 March 2025 - 12:15pm - 2:15pm, Gympie Community Place, 18 Excelsior Road, Gympie.
• Kawana - Wednesday, 26 March 2025 - 9:30am - 11:30am, Mercure Kawana, 9 Florey Boulevard, Birtinya.
• Brisbane - Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – details to be confirmed.

For details on how to register, visit https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=0&id=4456