The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

3.11.3.30 Voluntary work

Overview

Voluntary work is an activity undertaken in a not-for-profit community organisation in a voluntary work position. If voluntary work would be beneficial to the job seeker's employment prospects, job seekers can undertake voluntary work as part of their mutual obligation requirements. For example, voluntary work may be beneficial for the job seeker because involvement with the organisation and/or the type of work undertaken is likely to lead to paid employment. Voluntary work should not be undertaken as an end in itself, and should be combined with job search and other requirements as appropriate.

A voluntary work placement must:

  • benefit the job seeker and the community, and offer no financial gain to the voluntary work host organisation
  • provide the job seeker with the opportunity to gain skills that will directly improve their employment prospects
  • provide opportunities that will develop or enhance a job seeker's ability to work as part of a team, take directions from a supervisor, work independently, communicate effectively, and improve motivation and dependability, and
  • not exceed 26 weeks duration, unless it is the best participation option in the circumstances, as determined by the delegate or if the job seeker is fully meeting their mutual obligation requirements through approved voluntary work (3.11.6).

Unpaid work performed under a CSO or participation in clinical trials are NOT considered to be voluntary work.

Note: Some people may be able to fully meet their requirements through voluntary work (3.11.6).

Approval of voluntary work

Regardless of the circumstances in which it is undertaken, voluntary work must:

  • occur without payment other than for out-of-pocket expenses
  • have a community focus
  • not be undertaken in the job seeker's own home
  • not primarily promote a particular religious or political view
  • not involve working for an organisation of a job seeker's family member, or for the job seeker's own organisation
  • not involve violence towards people or damage to property
  • not undertake tasks which would normally be done by a paid employee, including a casual or part-time paid employee, and
  • not reduce hours usually worked by a paid employee or reduce customary overtime of an existing worker.

Note: Voluntary work at religious or political organisations may be considered appropriate, if the placement itself or the activity/ies the individual is expected to undertake as part of their voluntary work placement does not primarily promote a particular religious or political view.

As part of the organisation approval process, the employment services provider or Services Australia (whichever is approving the voluntary work) will ensure that community organisations are:

  • 'not for profit'
    • This can be verified through one of the following: articles of incorporation or certificate of incorporation and/or their constitution, being a registered member of the National/State/Regional Volunteer Centre, other verifiable documentation proving their 'not for profit' status, such as documentation providing that they are a charitable trust.
    • Government sector agencies are considered to be not-for-profit organisations for the purpose of voluntary work.
  • community based
    • That the organisation is a charitable, welfare or community organisation.
    • Provides services or assistance that benefits the community.
  • adequately insured.
    • Organisations must have public liability and personal accident insurance. Verification of insurance may be requested.

Examples:

  • Some religious organisations (such as St Vincent de Paul Society) provide services which are considered ‘community based’ as they provide benefit to the community, but the task itself do not promote religious views (for example providing food via food vans to people who are disadvantaged).
  • Community based organisations may include charitable organisations such as the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels or the Australian Red Cross Society or other community organisations such as sporting associations, school canteens and Men’s Sheds.

Any voluntary work organisation hosting a voluntary work placement approved by Services Australia may have the name of their organisation publicly disclosed if required or authorised by law.

Approval of voluntary work for fully meeting purposes

From 1 April 2025, changes to fully meeting rules mean that more people will be able to fully meet their requirements through approved voluntary work. From this date, a person can have their voluntary work for fully meeting purposes approved by either their employment services provider or Services Australia.

For more information on the 1 April 2025 changes to fully meeting rules, see 3.11.6.

For job seekers aged 55 and over who are fully meeting their mutual obligation requirements through voluntary work, Services Australia or the person’s employment services provider can give approval to the job seeker participating in voluntary work.

Before 1 April 2025, only some principal carers under limited circumstances can fully meet their mutual obligation requirements through voluntary work (that is, principal carer parents aged under 55, as individuals aged 55 and over are able to fully meet through approved voluntary work). If the principal carer is under 55, only their employment services provider can approve voluntary work for fully meeting purposes (3.11.6).

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