2023-24 Federal Budget Analysis

Following the handing down of the 2023-24 Budget, we are pleased to share this analysis of the key announcements, including how they relates to our advocacy and the volunteering sector at large. 

On Tuesday 4 May the Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, delivered the 2023-24 Budget. In response, we have outlined our areas of advocacy that relate to key budget areas, and detailed our roadmap for ongoing advocacy and lobbying on behalf of the sector.

In terms of the current budget, we have considered both the direct impacts to the volunteering sector and what will indirectly impact volunteers. The latter includes industries like aged care and emergency services which by nature, are heavily supported by volunteers. Where possible we have highlighted where we expect some of this funding will indirectly impact the volunteering sector, though we note that this funding is not specifically allocated to volunteers or volunteer involving organisations (VIOs).

Our Advocacy

(That has impacted the budget)

• Our recognition program (NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards) to celebrate the achievements and contributions of volunteers in their community.
• Volunteering included in the ‘Measuring What Matters’ wellbeing outcomes announced by the Treasurer as a key aspect of a cohesive society – following a submission from Volunteering Australia that we advised on.
• Collaboration with several government departments to promote volunteering and encourage greater engagement with volunteering as a concept.
• Contribution to several of Volunteering Australia’s submissions, particularly: the pre-budget submission for 2022-23; the Productivity Inquiry in March 2022; the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability and; the policy on Indigenous Skill and Employment Program.
• We continue to collaborate with other peak bodies relevant to the sector such as NCOSS, ACOSS, FONGA (Forum of Non-government Agencies), and the AMEP (Adult Migrant Employment Program).

Our Roadmap

• The Centre and National School of Volunteer Management [RTO code: 90031] have both made submissions to ANZSCO regarding the professionalisation of volunteering and volunteer management to have them considered as official professions. This will assist the government with gathering data and understanding the number and needs of volunteer managers.
• We have recently developed a research program for 2023-26 to deepen our understanding of the sector’s needs and better direct our policy and advocacy goals.
• We are conducting a second NSW State of Volunteering Report this year to obtain accurate data about the sector, its needs, and what we need to lobby the government for to support.
• Ongoing regional community consultations will strongly demonstrate to the government the kinds of support crucially needed in rural communities that are currently supported by volunteer programs.
• New rounds of the Project Partnership Program.
• Podcast to highlight the National Standards and stories of volunteers, further raising the profile of the sector.
• Volunteer Management Activity training continuing to equip the sector.

Analysis of Federal Budget Measures

To read our full analysis, including highlights, the Treasurer’s speech, and impacts on related industries:

Download Report Here