Volunteers have slammed claims their roles aren’t valuable.

The Minister for Volunteering, Ray Williams, has responded to an article written in the Sydney Morning Herald which claims “volunteering doesn’t make the world a better place”.

Mr Williams tells Chris Kenny, the state and the nation would “shut down” without the help of volunteers.

“I think Catherine Walsh needs to get herself a life.

“Imagine if we closed down the Rural Fire Service or the State Emergency Service. Volunteers are the backbone of society.”

Over two million people volunteer in NSW every year, adding over $5 billion worth of value and 240 million hours of unpaid work.

“We’re a great country full of great people who are prepared to roll up our sleeves to help one another.”

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