Topic

Volunteers

Volunteers have a unique role in Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. Parliamentarians may allow individuals to perform tasks in a voluntary and unpaid capacity. Volunteers may be work experience students, members of the community or family members of the parliamentarian. 

Volunteers

A volunteer is a person who undertakes activities: 

  • without monetary reward of their own free will
  • of benefit to the community or to the individual, or to gain work experience
  • that complements but does not replace the services provided by Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 MOP(S) employees.

More information is available in the Volunteer Guideline. The Guideline provides general advice and guidance to parliamentarians who use volunteers. It outlines expectations and standards to ensure a safe, respectful and valuable volunteer experience. The Guideline includes a Job Description template, Induction Checklist and Agreement Template that hiring parliamentarians that authorised persons might find useful. 

Workplace health and safety

In accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), volunteers have the same WHS duties as paid workers. Parliamentarians must provide a safe environment for volunteers, whether they work onsite, in the field, or remotely, and are responsible and liable for work health and safety matters relating to their volunteers. 

It is recommended that volunteers undergo a Working with Vulnerable People check.

Volunteers can report complaints, incidents or hazards in the workplace. Volunteers can access PWSS counselling and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Conflict of Interest

Volunteers should disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest that could impact their work for the office. This includes personal, financial, or other commitments that may affect their ability to carry out tasks in alignment with the office’s objectives. If a conflict arises, volunteers should inform the office so it can be appropriately managed. 

Resources

Guideline

Volunteer Guideline

The MOP(S) Act Volunteer Guideline contains information for Parliamentarians and authorised persons hiring volunteers in Commonwealth Parliamentary offices.
Factsheet

Conflict of Interest Factsheet for MOP(S) Act Staff and Volunteers

This guidance is intended for people working or volunteering in Commonwealth parliamentary offices. A conflict of interest exists when it appears likely or could be perceived that a Member of Parliament Staff (MOP(S)) Act 1984 employee.
Link

Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP)

Volunteers working in Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplace can register for a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) or Working With Children (WWC) check on the Red Cross website. Once an online application for a WWVP/WWC check is completed, this cost could be reimbursed. Noting the WWVP/WWC check is not transferable between states, so be sure to update it if you move. Checks are usually valid for 5 years, but check the expiry date.
Page

Workers' compensation

MOP(S) Act employees experiencing work-related physical or psychological injury, could be eligible to receive compensation under the Comcare scheme, in accordance with the SRC Act.
Checklist

Employee Induction Checklist

The Employee Induction Checklist should be completed by the parliamentarian, or by their authorised representative it contains information relevant to onboarding new employees under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 MOP(S) Act

Related resources

Guideline

Volunteer Guideline

The MOP(S) Act Volunteer Guideline contains information for Parliamentarians and authorised persons hiring volunteers in Commonwealth Parliamentary offices.
Factsheet

Conflict of Interest Factsheet for MOP(S) Act Staff and Volunteers

This guidance is intended for people working or volunteering in Commonwealth parliamentary offices. A conflict of interest exists when it appears likely or could be perceived that a Member of Parliament Staff (MOP(S)) Act 1984 employee.

View all resources