First NSW-based legal resource for volunteers and voluntary organisations
[7 June 2006 | The Centre for Volunteering]
Not-for-profit
organisations in NSW working with volunteers frequently have questions about
the legal rights and responsibilities of their volunteers. Many are unaware
of what to do or how to proceed in situations such as negotiating insurance
and occupational health and safety requirements such as what to do when
volunteers are involved in an accident.
This is because, in most cases, NSW law does not adequately deal with volunteers and volunteering. In addition NSW is one of the only states in Australia without ministerial representation for volunteers.
The Centre for Volunteering is conducting a new project benefiting volunteers and voluntary organisations. It provides resources to help deal with all legal aspects of volunteers and voluntary organisations in NSW.
The Centre's Volunteers and the Law project will help its members understand current legislation and its impact on their roles through a new online law resource.
Phase One involves a literature review of all current legislation in NSW
impacting on volunteers and not-for-profit organisations. Partnerships are
being developed among The Centre for Volunteering, community law centres
and commercial law firms with pro bono legal support. The Centre has been
awarded a Law and Justice Foundation of NSW grant for Phase One and is currently
sourcing funding for Phase Two.
Phase Two will include the drafting and publishing of website and printed materials and the set-up and monitoring of an 1800 helpline.