Committee: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee
Date referred: 26 August 2025
Submissions close: 5 September 2025
Reporting date: 6 November 2025

The committee’s inquiry into National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) lapsed at the end of the 47th Parliament. On 26 August 2025, the Senate re-referred the inquiry for further examination and report.

All correspondence and evidence previously received in relation to this inquiry have been made available to the new committee. This means that submissions already provided do not need to be re-submitted. The committee intends to refer to the evidence received during the 47th Parliament.

Terms of Reference

The formation of a National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) to respond to the immediate aftermath of natural disasters in Australia, with particular reference to:

1. establishing targeted initiatives to encourage young people to participate in the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army);
2. exploring strategies to enhance volunteer engagement, including systems to recognise and compensate volunteers to promote satisfaction and positive culture;
3. integrating volunteer opportunities within educational institutions to increase student participation in volunteer organisations;
4. creating a nationally recognised qualification scheme that provides tangible benefits to volunteers and formally acknowledges their skills and contributions across sectors
5. investigating whether there are appropriate laws and safeguards to protect the health and safety of volunteers;
6. the structure and governance of the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army);
7. comparison of relevant overseas models and best practices; and
8. any other related matters.