Bligh Government calls for more volunteers

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts says Queenslanders greatly appreciate the contribution made by the state’s volunteers.

Speaking at the Ministerial Regional Community Forum in Gayndah, Mr Roberts said attracting and retaining volunteers was a big challenge.

“Volunteering is the backbone of many Queensland communities,” Mr Roberts said.

“In 2006, volunteering was worth $13.4 billion to the Queensland economy. This is an enormous contribution, representing the equivalent of an extra 14.7%, or 299,000, employed workers across the state.

“But we can always do more to encourage people to sign up with a volunteer group.

“This month, the Premier announced the targets for Towards Q2, tomorrow’s Queensland.

“One of those targets is to increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers by 50%.

“To achieve this, we need to attract potential recruits from all backgrounds, promote the benefits of volunteering and work with local communities to encourage volunteering.

“The Department of Emergency Services is leading the charge with a $52 million funding package over five years (from 2006) to increase and improve equipment and training for emergency services volunteers.

“We have also implemented a payroll tax exemption for employers whose workers volunteer in the State Emergency Service or Rural Fire Service, and will introduce new laws to help protect emergency services personnel from assault.

“It is my hope that looking Towards Q2, the Government and local communities can work together to increase the volunteer workforce in Queensland.”

Media Contact: Brendan Connell 3247 8194