The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a conundrum for people doing volunteer work, amid a scenario wherein they are needed more than ever but at the same time they face greater risks due to the lack of appropriate coverage available to them.  

With volunteer insurance policies unlikely to provide protection against coronavirus-related claims, the third party sector is highlighting the current gap that needs to be addressed.

“It would be good to see the business sector coming to the table via the Insurance Council [of Australia] or key insurers so a creative solution is found,” said Sue Woodward, director at Justice Connect’s Not-for-profit Law, in an interview with Pro Bono News.

According to the publication, Woodward’s suggestions include the creation of an indemnity or contingent liability fund that would feature insurer contributions.

The director, who also called on Australian governments to do their part, was quoted as asserting: “We need to show volunteers that we’ve got their back when they’ve served their community during the pandemic.”