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Fears safely relieved by Health and Safety amendments
Volunteers' fears safely relieved by Health and Safety amendments
Volunteering New Zealand is pleased that many volunteers’ fears that their roles and responsibilities would be increasingly complicated by the Health and Safety Reform Bill will today be relieved following the release of the revised report from the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee.
“Volunteering New Zealand members, and the wider voluntary sector will breathe a sigh of relief with the announcement of the new amendments to the Health and Safety Reform Bill” reports VNZ Chief Executive, Scott Miller. “We are delighted that the new recommendations are consistent with the 2002 Government Policy for Volunteering, which commits government to reducing barriers associated with volunteering in legislation, policy and practice and that volunteers have appropriate protection under law” says Miller.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse and the Select Committee have obviously taken on board the considerable concern and confusion within the community and voluntary sector, and taken a pragmatic approach to the role of volunteers and volunteering in New Zealand. The changes mean coverage of volunteers remains as it is under the existing Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, which distinguishes between casual volunteers and volunteer workers. This approach will keep things simple and consistent for volunteers in New Zealand.
Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering - such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations. Their mission is to promote, support and advocate for volunteering. www.volunteeringnz.org.nz
ENDS
Volunteering New Zealand
Leaders of Volunteering
Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering, such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations.
Volunteering New Zealand's mission is to promote, support and advocate for volunteering.
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