Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

What an outrageous comment from the member for Longman to suggest that this government does not care about volunteers. Volunteerism is at the central core of this government's beliefs. The federal government does recognise the importance of volunteering. It is central to my vision and to that of the government. It is central to our vision to provide the very essence of our local communities with appropriate funding so that they can get on and do what they do best, and that is to look after our fellow citizens.

In my first year as the federal member for Fisher, the Turnbull government has invested significantly in local communities in my electorate. Let's just have a look at some of those. This month 100,000 volunteers across Australia have benefited from $10 million in Commonwealth government grants. In Fisher alone, more than $30,000 was awarded. Recipients included: the Landsborough State School P&C Association, which received $3,200 for training volunteers; $4,800 for the Caloundra family drug service and support group, also for training; $2,100 for Girl Guides in Maleny for transport costs of volunteers with disability; $5,000 for Maleny District Sports and Recreation Club for landscaping and gardening; $1,600 for the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre for computer and kitchen equipment; $4,182 for the Landsborough Area Community Association for computer equipment and fuel costs; $4,926 for the Maleny and District Men's Shed for first aid equipment and tools; and $6,500 for St Vinnies in Caloundra, Maleny and Landsborough

Last month, the Alex Surf Club, of which I am a proud patrol captain, received $15,000 under the Solar Communities program to install rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, as did the Maleny Golf Club. Speaking of surf lifesaving, in February, five different surf clubs in my electorate received $5,000 each as part of $25,000 they will get over five years from the Commonwealth Beach Safety Equipment Fund—Alexandra Headland, Dicky Beach, Kawana Waters, Metropolitan Caloundra and Mooloolaba.

In December 2016, the Maleny men's shed were awarded $4,954 from the federal government's National Shed Development Program. The money was used to buy equipment to help them to make the Maleny Historical Society a success and develop the Maleny Historical Village.

In August 2016 plans were approved for the not-for-profit Sunshine Coast Community Sporting Hub, to be situated on Lake Kawana. This was supported by $5 million from the federal government. In early 2016, 19 local community groups, including Caloundra Rugby Union Club, Eudlo Public Hall, Mooloolah Valley Community Association and Rosies Youth Mission, shared $70,000 worth of grants. Other community groups in my electorate in the same period received $3,627 in grants to support groups which honour Australia's military history and personnel.

Though community groups in my electorate have chosen not to apply, a great deal of other support has been made available to them in the past years. To name only a small selection: The Community Heritage and Icons Grants program offers up to $10,000 for activities that promote the Glass House Mountains in our region. The Good Sports program offers funding for activities undertaken by local community sports clubs to reduce the impact of illegal drugs on our young people. Community Commemorative Grants, as well as Veteran and Community Grants, have been available to help groups that support our current and former servicemen and women.

This government should, and we do, congratulate all of these volunteers for their service to our community. is not a government that does not value volunteerism. Not only do we value it, we put our money where our mouth is, and we support all volunteers who give up their time so very valuably. Without volunteers this country would obviously cost a heck of a lot more money to run than it does now, and that is quite enough as it is. Imagine where we would be without volunteers. Imagine us being without surf lifesavers, without St John's first aid, without all the P&C groups. Where would we be as a community without them? Volunteers are so vital for our community, and this government supports them, lock, stock and barrel.

See this speech in context