Setting the record straight on volunteers

Safe Work Australia Chair, Mr Tom Phillips AM, has expressed concern over recent media reports regarding volunteers and the new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.

Mr Phillips is concerned inaccurate and alarmist claims made about the new WHS laws could seriously discourage volunteers and potential volunteers from undertaking volunteer work.

The new WHS laws will not apply to every volunteering activity or organisation. They apply if a volunteer organisation employs staff as well as volunteers to carry out work for the organisation.

"This isn't new - this was the case even in the old state schemes and it makes sense. In three states and territories Queensland, the Northern Territory and the ACT, occupational health and safety legislation (OHS) already specifically applied to volunteers - this hasn't changed. In all the other jurisdictions, the protections afforded by OHS legislation also applied to volunteers at workplaces," said Mr Phillips.

View the full media release: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au