Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Senior volunteers make up a very significant proportion of Australian volunteers. We know that, during the COVID pandemic, many of our older Australians have chosen not to continue to volunteer because of health risks or accessibility. That saw a significant decline in the number of people that were volunteering, and we understand the significant impact this makes on our economy. For that reason, we have made sure that we've continued to put measures in place, including awarding 2,698 grants—across a number of areas, across a lot of organisations—of between $1,000 and $5,000 to be able to help them. We'd like to particularly thank Volunteering Australia and acknowledge all of Australia's volunteers and the amazing job that they do. We know that the economic benefits and the yield that all Australians and Australia receive from volunteering is absolutely immense, and we thank them.