Board Communique Mar 2011

Board Communique Mar 2011

Ministerial Correspondence:

The Attorney General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, responded to our letter seeking greater liability protection for volunteers, reaffirming that protection from liability is in place to protect volunteers acting in good faith who are fulfilling their function, and placing a high value on the safety and well being of all volunteers. Establishing model language from existing legislation across states and territories on the protection from liability is now the next step in addressing this issue.

In addition, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, responded to our letter on road safety issues advising that new national laws currently drafted will include exemption provisions from driver fatigue restrictions for emergency management personnel operating in emergency situations. Comments on these draft laws are currently being sought from members.

We are also awaiting a response from the Assistant Treasurer on our letter seeking the restoration/extension of Public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient status to volunteer fire brigade associations.

Strategic Consultation:

We are participating in the Emergency Management Volunteer Research Project conducted by the Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum and funded by the Attorney Generals Department (AGD), in establishing a comprehensive list of all publications and papers on volunteering in Australia. This Project should be complete by June 2011. As well, we have sought funds from the National Emergency Management Project, managed by the AGD, to enhance human resource systems used by members.

Finally, comments were provided on the Treasury Scoping Study for a New Not-for-Profit Regulator arguing against any unnecessary administrative burden in proposed new legislation.

New Member

The Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association has expressed its intent to affiliate with the AAVFBA.