Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday, 5 December, marked International Volunteer Day. This important day recognises and celebrates the efforts and dedication of volunteers across the globe, including the millions of Australians who freely give up their time for the benefit of us all.

Yesterday, here in Canberra, I had the pleasure of meeting with Mark Pearce, the CEO of Volunteering Australia. Mark reminded me that at the heart of volunteering is aspiration. It is, after all, an aspiration for a better world and a better tomorrow that drives people to volunteer and make a positive difference.

Our meeting was also an opportunity to get an update from Mark on the National Strategy for Volunteering 2023 to 2033. As well as providing a blueprint for the next 10 years, the strategy will also be used to inform government on policy development for a more inclusive volunteering framework that will enable volunteering to thrive across Australia.

The theme of this year's International Volunteer Day is 'If everyone did'. Imagine how much better this world would be if eight billion of us volunteered. Imagine the limitless opportunities for a more inclusive and equitable world this would represent. The positive impact made by millions of volunteers across Australia cannot be underestimated, and I wish to thank each and every person—