Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Ministers statements: National Volunteer Week

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:40): Continuing the theme of today, last week was National Volunteer Week, so I would like the opportunity to speak about volunteers, as many of us do often in this place. One of the best parts of being emergency services minister and Attorney-General is meeting amazing people, and many of those are in volunteer capacities. I do know that all MPs in this place do place value on the contribution of our amazing volunteers at the SES, CFA, Life Saving Victoria and Marine Search and Rescue. And certainly while some seek to politicise these volunteers, I focus on my opportunities to support them, and this budget does just that. There is $6.95 million invested for SES to support volunteer training and programs, as I outlined earlier; $18.6 million for the CFA, particularly in relation to new primary response urban pumpers to add to their fleet; as well as a $9.11 million boost for LSV, including their volunteer services.

I do want to take the opportunity to say it is not just emergency services volunteers that I come across; it is also the invaluable contribution of those that partake in the community legal sector. Regardless of your postcode, whether you are from Melbourne, Melton or Mildura, these passionate people work every day to deliver what I like to call real justice outcomes. Of course hardworking staff at our community legal centres are amazing, and many of them started out as volunteers. Many advisers in my office were CLC volunteers, and I think probably many members of Parliament have also done a stint in a CLC, and you cannot do that volunteer work unless you have a well-supported community legal sector. This budget ensures just that: $28.8 million in funding provided to the legal assistance sector, including 22 programs and the continuation of Fitzroy Legal Service’s Q+Law service and Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service’s specialised legal service, which provides crucial legal advice and assistance to Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who come into contact with the justice system. We know the important work that CLCs provide to vulnerable Victorians in need of support, and I again want to extend my sincere thanks to those who continue to ensure that the system is accessible and that they are well supported. To all of our volunteers across Victoria, thank you.