Safe Work Australia has released the Volunteer Resource Kit to address lingering confusion about the impact of harmonised work health and safety laws on the volunteer sector.Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten has said that the resource will “remove any confusion by clearly showing volunteers and the organisations… how to comply with work and safety requirements.”
Shorten also stated that the new laws aim to ensure volunteers have the same level of protection as paid workers.
The kit is hoped to alleviate concerns that the new laws will “destroy the tradition of Australian volunteerism as we know it”, and ensure all workers – whether paid or unpaid – are safe at work.
The Volunteer Resource Kit is available here.
