Queensland report shaped by over 500 submissions
By Sonia Isaacs
QUEENSLAND’S volunteering sector, valued at more than $117 billion annually, is under mounting pressure as participation declines and systemic barriers discourage people from giving their time.
A critical report by the Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee, tabled in State Parliament on September 18, found volunteer numbers have plunged from 75.7 per cent of Queenslanders in 2020 to 64.3 per cent in 2023 – a loss of around 200,000 people. Those who remain are increasingly “stretched” and burdened by red tape, with the inquiry warning the sector needs urgent reform to remain sustainable.
The Inquiry into Volunteering in Queensland was established in December 2024 to investigate challenges facing the state’s 2.8 million volunteers. More than 500 submissions and 15 public hearings informed the findings, which fulfil a key election commitment of the Crisafulli Government.
The report identified four main challenges: excessive compliance and administration demands, rising financial pressures, time constraints, and complex insurance requirements. Volunteers reported spending an average of $336 per month, which equated to more than $4,000 annually to support their activities. Insurance costs were flagged as a major threat to the viability of smaller organisations.
Emergency services, including the Rural Fire Service Queensland and State Emergency Service, were highlighted as particularly vulnerable, with lengthy onboarding processes and cumbersome systems discouraging new recruits.
The committee recommended a “reset” of the volunteering experience, urging a whole-of-government approach to cut red tape, remove barriers, and invest in a new Volunteer Resource Centre model with regional hubs. It also called for greater inclusivity to encourage participation from young people, culturally diverse communities, people with disability and older Queenslanders.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games were identified as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the sector and boost long-term participation.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy thanked those who contributed, describing volunteers as the “backbone of our communities”. She said the government would now consider the report’s recommendations and identify practical measures to strengthen volunteering across the state.
