QFES Volunteerism Strategy Discussion Paper : 2017

National barriers to ongoing and long-term volunteerism

In 2011, the Australian Government identified a number of barriers, including “complexity in regulation and risk management requirements,” 1 encompassed with misaligned policy, management, training and development opportunities were impacting dramatically on ongoing and long-term volunteerism. Volunteers also identified as being increasingly disconnected from their initial moti- vations to volunteer – to help and support their community – as excessive red-tape, convoluted systems and processes impeded more on their role and time to perform it. In addition, limitations to opportunities for development, inappropriate or poor direction, limited use of skills or opportunities to actively volunteer further impeded peoples’ willingness or motivation to continue to volunteer. 2 The above national identified barriers to volunteerism were also reflected in some of the key sentiments expressed in the 2016 QFES Volunteer Survey where training, leadership development, engagement and support were identified as key areas for improvement.

1. Plibersek, T. in Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2011). National Volunteering Strategy. Canberra, ACT (p.1). 2. Ibid.

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olunteerism Strategy Discussion Paper : 2017

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services