Government must clarify role of volunteers under health and safety reforms

Press release: ACT New Zealand
June 22, 2015. 3:10pm

The government should use National Volunteer Week to clarify how the Health and Safety Reform Bill will affect them, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“While thanking volunteers for their work, the government is trying to push through a law which would place new regulatory burdens on voluntary organisations,” said Mr Seymour, referring to the Health and Safety Reform Bill currently before select committee.

“The Bill has been criticised by Volunteering NZ and Local Government NZ for the liabilities it places on organisations and their board members.

“In a situation like a working bee or disaster clean-up, a certain level of risk is expected by casual volunteers. Making organisations liable for this risk could discourage volunteers from taking leadership positions, and force those who did to reconsider working with casual volunteers who would fall under the strict new regulations.

“I have been approached by constituents in my electorate who are concerned they will be in breach of new regulations despite being involved in low risk activity.

“People who volunteer are rightly celebrated, but they need clarity around what liabilities they’re taking on by doing so. Otherwise there will be a chilling effect on volunteers nationwide, to all of our detriment.

“Volunteer initiatives are vital to the health of a free society. People who sacrifice their time for causes they’re passionate about put more care into their work than anonymous bureaucrats on fixed salaries.

“That’s why the Minister for the Voluntary Sector should stand up for volunteers by challenging regulatory overreach.”

ENDS

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