VOLUNTEERING screening will be free for all South Australians from November 1 as part of a key election commitment of the Marshall Liberal Government.
South Australians have been paying almost $60 for a volunteer screening check – the highest application fee in the nation.
Volunteer screening checks are compulsory for people who want to volunteer with people with a disability and other organisations requiring screenings include sporting clubs and charities, as well as emergency services.
People who want to volunteer with vulnerable people, including children and older people, may be required to have a Department of Human Services screening or police record check, depending on the requirements of the volunteer organisation.
The 2018/19 state budget provides an ongoing funding allocation to abolish all volunteer screening fees, with the State Government committing $677,000 in 2018/19 and $1.4m per year from 2019/20 in recognition of the importance of volunteers and the work they conduct across the state.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said abolishing volunteer screening fees was a win for South Australians wishing to volunteer at organisations including sporting clubs and charities, as well as emergency services.
“The government values the incredible dedication and hard work of volunteers and the selfless work they do helping the community – this is why we made the decision to abolish all screening fees for volunteers,” Ms Lensink said.
“Abolishing volunteer screening fees removes barriers for people wanting to volunteer and I hope it encourages the next generation of volunteers to get involved.
“Volunteers provide much needed care and support in our communities and many volunteer organisations are the life-blood of regional South Australia and this is wonderful news for them.
Volunteering SA chief executive Evelyn O’Loughlin said the fee abolishment was a “win-win” for volunteer organisations and individual volunteers.
“For the organisations, these savings can be put to better use in providing services and resources for the benefit of communities,” she said.
“And for a volunteer, it may mean the difference of taking up a volunteer position or not.”
Visit www.screening.sa.gov.au for more information.
