The Liberal Govenrment has saved volunteers and community organisations more than $3.4 million since making screening checks free for all South Australians last year.
Since 1 November, 2018, a total of 56,690 South Australians have applied for more than 71,000 free volunteer screening checks conducted by the Department of Human Services Screening Unit, saving the sector hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Under the previous Labor Government, volunteer screening checks were $59.40 each.
Premier Steven Marshall said this commitment was one example the Liberal Government was lowering costs for hardworking South Australians and their families.
“Since the Liberal Government promised and delivered free volunteer screening checks, the South Australian not-for-profit sector and its volunteers have saved more than $3.4 million in the past 12 months,” said Premier Marshall.
“It’s fantastic news because it means millions of dollars have been injected back into the sector to help organisations like sport clubs, community service organisations, emergency services and charities deliver vital services for the community.”
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said she was thrilled by the response from South Australia’s community services sector since abolishing fees for all volunteer checks.
“It’s wonderful to see so many South Australians taking up volunteering since the Liberal Government made volunteer screening checks free in November last year,” said Minister Lensink.
“The figures speak for themselves – it is now easier for people in South Australia to volunteer, as the cost of screenings does not act as a barrier.
“Removing the costs around all volunteer clearances highlights our appreciation for the selfless and vital involvement volunteers make to the community every day.”
Volunteer screening checks remain free for all South Australians. The fees will continue to be waived for all five screening types, including working with children, vulnerable people and in the aged care sector for people who use the checks as a volunteer.
Minister Lensink said on 1 July, a new Working with Children Check was introduced, and has since received great support from the volunteering community.
“The smooth rollout of the new check has been in large part thanks to the many organisations across sectors that have shared the message with their employees and volunteers,” said Minister Lensink.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to our community organisations and to South Australians more broadly, for working together to make sure our communities and volunteers are supported.”
For more information on the screening checks in South Australia, visit www.screening.sa.gov.au
*Data is current as at October 24, 2019.
