Volunteers in Tasmania will no longer face fees for the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People, effective January 1, 2026. Premier Jeremy Rockliff made this announcement while engaging with volunteers aboard the SV Rhona H. This decision aims to encourage more individuals to contribute to their communities by alleviating financial barriers associated with volunteering.
In Tasmania, over 332,000 volunteers play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations. To legally engage in these activities, they must obtain a Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP). Recognizing the importance of this initiative, Premier Rockliff stated, “Volunteers make an essential contribution to our community, and we are supporting them to make it cheaper and easier to do their important work.”
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance volunteer participation and is aligned with the objectives of Valuing Our Volunteers: Tasmania’s Volunteering Strategy 2025-2030. Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Community and Multicultural Affairs, emphasized the significance of volunteering in the state. She noted, “Volunteering underscores the wonderful tapestry of communities here in Tasmania.”
This two-year program will not only facilitate greater community involvement but is also viewed as an important measure to help with cost-of-living challenges for volunteers. The 2023 State of Volunteering Report indicated a remarkable return on investment, revealing that for every dollar invested in volunteering, the community benefits by approximately $4.80.
For individuals involved in regulated volunteer activities, the waiver of fees applies when applying for or renewing a Volunteer class of RWVP during the two-year period starting January 1, 2026. To determine if a RWVP is necessary for their volunteer work, individuals can refer to the RWVP Volunteers fact sheet available online at the Tasmanian Government’s Justice website.
This measure reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for volunteering, ultimately enhancing community resilience and cohesion across Tasmania.
