VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE MILLIONS

Mary Porter AM MLA, Member for Ginninderra, used a motion in the Legislative Assembly to recognise the contribution older Canberrans make to the economic life of our community through volunteerism.

“Nationally, the value of volunteering to the Australian economy is estimated at in excess of $40 billion dollars, and people in the age groups 55–64 and 65–74 spend more time in voluntary work and care than other age.

“In seniors week, it is an appropriate time to recognise the contribution made to the economy by this group,” Ms Porter asserted.

Ms Porter sighted research recently completed to underline the importance of volunteerism to our individual and collective wellbeing.

“Dr Nielsen of the University of Canberra wrote an article recently that drew on research on positive psychology conducted over more than 20 years that defined a meaningful life as one where an individual’s signatory strengths are used for a higher purpose than one’s gratification,” Ms Porter noted.

“The act of giving is very much at the forefront of volunteering. Seniors make a significant contribution to the economy and to our community through volunteerism.

“Last year the Federal Government raised the possibility that, in the near future, Australians may need to wait until they are 67 to get access to their superannuation savings - in effect making 67 a universal minimum retirement age.

“I can tell you that 67 is a wonderful age. I find it interesting that, in this era when people are expected to remain longer in the workplace, others seem to be written off, not appropriate for further advancement, with doubts surrounding the ongoing contribution they can make. I assure you that a 67-year olds still has much to offer to the work force, as volunteers or otherwise,” Ms Porter concluded.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au
Mary Porter 0414 480 440