Jacqui Lambie Network additional comments

Introduction

1.1Australia’s resilience in the face of natural disasters depends heavily on the dedication of volunteers who give their time, skill and compassion to protect and rebuild communities. However, as natural disasters increase in both frequency and intensity, the strain on this volunteer base is becoming unsustainable.

1.2The proposed National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) seeks to address these challenges by establishing a coordinated national framework to strengthen disaster resilience, enhance community preparedness and provide meaningful pathways for Australians, particularly young people, to contribute to recovery and mitigation efforts.

1.3This inquiry builds on the report of the Senate Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience titled Boots on the Ground: Raising Resilience which highlighted Australia’s over-reliance on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for disaster recovery operations and the urgent need for improved national preparedness.[1] As Chair of that Committee, I travelled with my fellow Senators to communities across Australia impacted by extreme weather events. At every hearing, the committee heard the same concerns, most particularly a lack of volunteers across the board. The ‘active’ volunteers are often ‘ageing-out’; my generation, and the younger generations, simply aren’t signing up in the same numbers. One of the Select Committee’s key recommendation was to call on the Australian Government to consider ways to incentivise young Australians to participate in volunteer organisations that provide support for disaster response and recovery.

1.4On 18 September 2024, the Senate agreed to refer my proposal for a National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee (FADT Committee) for inquiry and report by 22 September 2025. Whilst that inquiry lapsed at the end of the 47th Parliament, on 26 August 2025, the Senate re-referred the inquiry for further examination and report in the 48th Parliament.

1.5This inquiry represented an important opportunity to explore how a dedicated national volunteer framework can strengthen disaster resilience, expand youth participation, and integrate community, educational and government efforts to build a more resilient Australia.

1.6I would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who provided submissions and evidence to this inquiry and its predecessor, as well as the FADT Committee and secretariat for their ongoing contribution and support.

1.7Australia has faced bushfires and floods for millennia, but the frequency and intensity of these events is increasing. Extreme bushfires have more than doubled in frequency and intensity over the past two decades,[2] pushing our firefighting services to their limits and highlighting the limits of our infrastructure. At the other end of the scale are the short duration heavy rainfall events and longer duration persistent rainfall events which are also occurring with far greater frequency. These rain events have caused many of our communities to watch in awe as stormwater systems in major cities fail to cope with the sheer volume of water they are inundated with, whilst in regional areas the supposedly ‘one in a hundred’ flood events are becoming common occurrences, even those with decreased annual rainfall.[3]

1.8The need for volunteers is evident not only during disasters but also in the vital preparatory and recovery stages. The financial, physical and mental toll of natural disasters is profound and often immeasurable. As Australians continue to struggle under the cost-of-living crisis, these disasters compound the pressure, with many households facing soaring insurance premiums or, in some cases, being unable to secure insurance at all.

1.9We need to take heed of the proverb that prevention is better than the cure. According to the NRMA, 'in Australia, 97 per cent of all disaster funding is spent after the event, with just three per cent committed to mitigation measures ahead of a natural disaster'.[4] This imbalance underscores the urgent need to prioritise resilience and preparedness. The Australian Resilience Corps (ARC), an organisation that was backed by both the NRMA and the Mindaroo Foundation, promoted a step towards the shift from recovery to resilience. However, attempts to access the ARC’s website during this inquiry were unsuccessful and no submission was received from the organisation. This raises broader concerns about the risk of fragmentation across the volunteer and disaster resilience sectors, where initiatives may emerge in isolation without adequate coordination or sustainability.

1.10While the FADT Committee was unable to fully investigate ARC’s status within the inquiry timeframe, questions about its closure, volunteer transition and lessons learned could provide valuable insight into how best to develop a cohesive and sustainable Climate Army.

1.11In 2025, the Australian Climate Service (ACS) released the report into Australia’s National Climate Risk.[5] This report outlines the findings of a two-year assessment into the risks posed to seven key systems that they had defined, being:

Communities – urban, regional and remote

Defence and national security

Economy, trade and finance

Health and social support

Infrastructure and the built environment

Natural environment

Primary industries and food

1.12The ACS warns of the 'risk of compounding and cascading impacts' across 'agriculture, transport and supply chains, human health, and energy, food and water security will compound risks to Australia’s national security and will detrimentally impact the long-term resilience of communities.'[6]

1.13The national coordination of Australia’s volunteer base is critical to mitigating the impacts of extreme climate change events and ensuring that Australians can best respond to the challenges their communities face. The submissions to the inquiry were united on the need for community engagement: 'The proposed National Volunteer Incentive Scheme channels this commendable spirit…'[7] of Australians stepping up for each other in times of crisis.

1.14According to Volunteer Australia’s National Strategy for Volunteering (2023–2033),[8] most of the literature on volunteering examines wellbeing benefits, but scant attention is paid to psychosocial hazards and their impact on volunteers. These issues must be addressed in any large-scale volunteer framework.

1.15The current ecosystem of volunteer agencies often operates in silos, lacking clear national coordination in shared incentive frameworks. Some submissions raised concern about possible duplication, and I agree that duplication should be minimised and avoided wherever possible, but the benefits from additional capacity and redundancy must also be factors we consider. This is why we have redundancy for critical systems, for example, we carry around a ‘spare’ in the car, granted we often forget about it until we get a flat tyre. The reality is that we need to ensure our current volunteer efforts are not wasted, whilst we recruit more volunteers, particularly in the younger cohorts. I would also make the point that while the National Strategy for Volunteering is comprehensive and valuable, and should certainly be in the mix, it does not offer immediate and clear solutions for volunteer incentives, training and coordination.

1.16Volunteer retention depends not only on incentives but also on safety, wellbeing and trust. The Climate Army must embed a comprehensive work health and safety (WHS) and mental health framework, with standardised national training and access to support services.

1.17Submissions to the inquiry supported improved national coordination of Australia’s volunteer base to mitigate climate-related impacts. While organisations such as Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) are making significant progress in this area, particularly with Commonwealth Support through the Volunteer Uplift Program, many submissions still emphasised the ongoing fragmentation between agencies and jurisdictions.

1.18The submission from DRA, an organisation established by veterans to apply their skills in responses to natural disasters, was substantial and their organisation is effectively giving Australia an additional return on the investment in their members military training. This application of veterans’ skills and additional benefit was part of my original thinking about the concept of a ‘Climate Army’, and for that I applaud them.

1.19The COVID-19 pandemic has been identified as having a substantial impact on volunteer numbers, with about 1.86 million less volunteers at the start of 2022 than there were in 2019, however it was revealed that Australians putting their hands up to volunteer has been gradually declining over the past couple of decades from around one third of adults in 2002 to around one quarter in 2022.[9]

1.20The United Fire Fighters Union of Australia confirmed that 'Australia’s volunteer emergency response has been on the decline for the last decade. They have also acknowledged there are fewer staff to assist volunteer firefighters than there were a decade ago'.[10] This decline is even more concerning when you factor in that most organisations reported that they needed between 1 and 20 additional volunteers, 11 per cent of these organisations reported that they needed more than 101 volunteers in the short term.[11]

1.21The submissions to the Senate inquiry on the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) reveal a range of perspectives on the proposal. While some are supportive of the idea, others are more cautious, highlighting concerns about duplication of existing capabilities, coordination challenges, and funding.

1.22There were submissions warning against creating a new national entity that duplicates or competes with existing emergency service organisations. For example, the NSW Government stressed that any new scheme must build and support, not compete with existing capabilities and must operate within existing control structures.[12] I agree, but this will require engagement and cooperation, difficult if the stakeholders do not participate. At this point I want to specifically thank the state governments that participated in the inquiry.

1.23Rather than a new standing volunteer corps detached from state systems, the Climate Army should function as a national coordination and incentive framework. This could be a platform that enhances training, recognition, safety standards and mobility across jurisdictions, while empowering local communities and volunteers already embedded in existing services.

1.24Many recommend building on existing initiatives, such as the National Strategy for Volunteering, and investing in workforce capacity, alongside volunteer initiatives. Some suggest recognising and rewarding volunteers for their contributions, providing incentives such as financial compensation, training, and education opportunities.

1.25In their submission, the South Australian Country Fire Service (SACFS) identified governance duplication and inconsistencies in volunteer regulations as ‘significant barriers’ and that a 'nationally consistent framework, particularly for interstate volunteer deployments, is crucial to ensuring the Scheme’s effectiveness'.[13]

1.26Gen Zs and Millennials are deeply worried about the state of the world,[14] but they are struggling to balance their desire to effect change with the demands of everyday life, citing the cost of living as their greatest concern.[15] Given the cost-of-living challenges that younger Australians face, there are opportunities to incentivise volunteering; this could include a discount on HECS or apprenticeship fees and/or increased youth allowance. There are models around the world that Australia could consider, for example in Texas (USA), college (university) students can wipe their college fees by joining the national guard.[16]

1.27Encouraging young people to volunteer will be central to the Climate Army’s success. Evidence shows that people who start volunteering early are far more likely to continue throughout their life. Submissions recommended embedding volunteering within the educational system, creating clearer incentives and recognising the skills gained through service.

1.28Existing state initiatives such as the NSW RFS Cadet Program and SES Youth Internships show the value of introducing ‘emergency’ volunteering in schools. Expanding these pathways nationally, with consistent frameworks and federal support, would help normalise community service as part of youth development.

1.29Several submissions, including from the Learnt Group, advocate for the introduction of a nationally recognised qualification scheme such as a Volunteer Green Card, that certifies skills in first aid, disaster response, WHS and leadership.[17] Micro-credentialing, integrated through schools, TAFEs and universities could allow volunteers to earn tangible qualifications which are transferable to employment or further study.

1.30Financial incentives, such as modest HECS or apprenticeship fee reductions, youth allowance supplements, or tax reductions for verified volunteer hours, were also proposed and could make volunteering more accessible during a period of economic hardship for many young Australians. However, many submissions didn’t restrict this to particular age groups and suggested recognising and rewarding volunteers for their contributions, providing incentives such as financial compensation, training, and education opportunities.

1.31According to the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YAC Vic):

Youth Development Officers in the LGAs are ideally placed to coordinate young people’s involvement, supported by YAC Vic and other state peaks. For immediate / quick action, grants to each affected local council should include an amount specified for youth services, to ensure that the unique needs of young people and the role they can/do play in the community are addressed.[18]

1.32We were not able to probe into the direct and indirect implications of these roles in the context of natural disaster resilience and response, so it is an area in which more understanding is required.

1.33Many also recommended providing nationally accredited training opportunities to volunteers.

1.34The Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters submission recommended educational reforms that:

Integrate Disaster Education into Schools and Youth Programs...These programs should be delivered consistently across schools and be impactful and tangible in their outcomes, creating real learning experiences and knowledge of locally focused disaster risks.[19]

1.35The SACFS confirmed that there is 'broad support for the development of nationally recognised and transferable qualifications that reflect the skills and expertise of volunteers' and 'these should go beyond academic credits and provide tangible career or skills-based benefits across jurisdictions.'[20]

1.36The Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters submission suggested the committee should also look at New Zealand’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA)[21]. The SVA was a student movement, that stemmed from a Facebook page in the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, it has no military affiliation. They established the SVA Service Ward which recognises members participation with award pins and service summaries that can assist with scholarship, university or job applications.[22] The SVA’s university-based volunteer clubs are self-governed and are based around youth leadership.

1.37Overall, many of the submissions acknowledge the potential benefits of a ‘Climate Army’ but also highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for careful consideration of the challenges of establishing it.

1.38Funding is and will continue to be a core issue. In 2023, DRA was the recipient of a three-year $38.097 million grant from the Commonwealth to get the Volunteer Uplift Program (VUP) established. Through the VUP DRA is growing its volunteer workforce with an original target of 7500 by June 2026, they are now over 8000 by June,[23] but it is also allowing them to build the skills base in the workforce through specialised and nationally recognised training. The DRA is also establishing 'deployment-ready equipment pools' across the country. The DRA has demonstrated what can be achieved through a structured approach with financial backing, and they have proposed their organisation could be the basis for establishing the 'Climate Army'.

1.39In January this year, DRA asked the Federal Government for an additional $87.5 million to establish the comprehensive National Veteran Volunteer Program (NVVP). This program is the foundation of the 2030 strategy. Through the proposed NVVP, DRA’s intention is to build their volunteer base from 7,500 to 10,000. With an increased emphasis on younger veterans, women and First Nation Australians.

1.40The Duke of Ed (Australia’s) submission makes the point that their registered participants have already chosen to meet their volunteer service requirements through emergency services organisations such as: SES, RFS/CFA (including QFES) Marine Rescue St John Ambulance and Surf Life Saving. Suggesting, as they put it 'existing partnerships with these organisations can be leveraged to allow for the effective implementation of this program'.[24]

1.41The Duke of Ed (Australia) previously submitted a proposal for a 'National Emergency Responder Corps' (NERC) to the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Resilience, which built on the structure of its existing award program and focused on recruiting and retaining young volunteers for emergency services. This youth-focused initiative proposed a 2-year commitment from school leavers who would complete online training, participate in community preparedness activities, and join existing volunteer emergency services organisations.

1.42There was disquiet from some witnesses about the term 'Climate Army', with some individuals and organisations suggesting this ‘militaristic’ term is not appropriate and whilst I acknowledge those comments, I am not convinced the term should be changed. An army can be a military force, but the Macquarie dictionary also defines an army as 'anybody of people organised for cause' which is exactly what it is intended to be. I don’t think Australians consider the Salvation Army as a militaristic or paramilitary organisation, because of its name, and our Kiwi friends seem accepting of their ‘Student Volunteer Army’.

1.43In April 2023, a former Chief of the Defence Force Admiral Chris Barrie (retired) called on the government to release the assessment of the security threats posed by climate change,[25] which he said they had received in late 2022. He went on to say that 'climate change as a security threat seems to be totally overlooked'[26] but he also commented about the community expectations that the ADF would be there in the aftermath of a disaster stating 'there aren’t a lot of available people in a defence organisation like ours' and warning 'imagine concurrent events, like the black summer of bushfires and a call from another country in our region for help, we’re going to be really stretched in setting priorities and managing those pressures because we simply don’t have enough resources'.[27] This was and is a warning that we need to take action, and not just rely on the ADF.

1.44When the National Climate Risk Assessment[28] was released in September 2025,[29] it warned specifically that a dedicated disaster recovery force is needed.[30]

1.45Further to that point in their submission the Department of Defence recommended:

'… consideration of the leadership models used by DRA, Australian Border Force and police. Defence supports the establishment of a professional officer corps skilled in the leadership and management of a volunteer force, educated in a manner that gives them clarity of their roles within the Climate Army.[31]

1.46A submission from Rowan Farren, a young Australian, experienced with volunteering in emergencies, and familiar with demographic challenges, suggested that there is a need to bolster the networks of volunteer agencies. This network could work with local service clubs and integrate their inputs into existing Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLEN’s), potentially increasing the exposure that students are able to receive. Mr Farren also proposed that the creation of targeted electives and subjects throughout different year levels of the curriculum, backed by ‘work-experience’ aligned activities would allow students to properly immerse themselves in the service clubs and emergency response. He also suggested working with schools, and classroom teachers to ‘implement reflective practices on any tasks engaged with external agencies (service clubs, or emergency response agencies)’, which would also help raise youth awareness.

1.47Youth involvement was a common theme across the submissions, one submission suggested reinvigorating the cadet’s program, with a particular focus on emergency management, stating:

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting communities across Australia and Queensland. However, to sustain and grow volunteerism, we must address the financial, educational, workplace, and cultural barriers that hinder participation. If we are to organise and incentivise younger Australians to volunteer engaging with and investigating the best way to engage our educational institutions and our educators is absolutely key.[32]

1.48The education component is an aspect of volunteering I believe warrants further investigation, particularly as it will involve multiple organisations, across the country requiring commitment and coordination at both state and federal levels. Both levels of government have existing pathways for engagement that could be utilised as they exist, or with some modification. These modifications will have some financial implications, some direct, but there are indirect financial aspects as well, with forgoing of TAFE fees or HECS debts being relevant examples.

1.49Ethan Barr, Deputy Group Leader of the Thuringowa SES, highlighted the potential benefit that structured opportunities for emergency services volunteers to undertake supervised work experience or shadowing programs with paid emergency services can bring. He pointed out that currently the ability for volunteers to work alongside paid emergency services is restricted, with union agreements cited as one reason.

1.50In his submission Mr Barr reminded us that emergency services volunteers spend considerable time on training and emergency responses. His submission made reference to 'income lost due to volunteering commitments'[33] an element which is known, though the magnitude should probably be quantified, or at least better understood, particularly in how much it is dissuading younger generations from volunteering. However, it also raised another very concerning aspect of volunteering, which was the 'out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, equipment'[34] being incurred by volunteers, so not only are we expecting people to give up their time and income to help, but we are also asking them to use their own money to fund it. In discussions outside formal hearings, it was suggested to me that if this was occurring knowingly it is bordering on exploitation of people’s good will. Unfortunately, this is a component that we were unable to quantify—is it an isolated occurrence, particular organisations, localised to a community, a whole state or territory? This needs to be better understood and mechanisms to address it must be identified and implemented. In his submission Mr Barr also proposed that 'tax relief for emergency service volunteers who meet a defined annual commitment of service hours'[35] could be an incentive to retain existing and recruit more volunteers.

1.51The Department of Defence stated:

Defence could offer experience in the development of a connection with the young people through schools (cadet programs). Defence recruiting is enhanced by early introduction of lifestyle choice and volunteering, under the agreement and support of parents, through cadet programs resident in schools and local communities.[36]

1.52They suggested the ‘Ready Reserve Scheme’ from the early 1990’s, which sought to increase people joining Defence might offer some insight for consideration. At its core people joining under the Ready Reserve scheme committed to a full-time short service obligation subsequently followed by a longer part-time obligation, in return for this obligation federal government provided financial support for their education at a tertiary institution. According to Defence it was, at a volunteer level, successful, with the current concerns about the cost of education a similarly styled scheme would warrant further investigation for a ‘climate army’ and whilst outside of the terms of reference of this inquiry, quite possibly for Defence recruitment.

1.53The Defence submission chimed with many others and stressed the importance of an ‘educational return’ for service – stating that:

Any deeper education of the leadership of a Climate Army should include studies that will support their likely professional supervisory roles. Consideration should be given to establishing education for the Climate Army leadership in engineering, town planning, indigenous studies, environmental sciences and public health.[37]

1.54National Emergency Management Australia (NEMA), called on the committee to carefully consider how the 'Climate Army' could be integrated into the volunteer ecosystem that already exists. Further to that, NEMA agreed that incentives to increase the number of volunteers:

…would enhance overall national workforce capacity and support reducing reliance on the ADF, such initiatives would also need to be undertaken in tandem with enhanced investments in the ability to coordinate, mobilise and deploy such capabilities and resources during disasters.[38]

1.55While the ADF has consistently demonstrated professionalism and dedication in disaster recovery operations, repeated reliance on Defence personnel for domestic disaster response is unsustainable and potentially detrimental to national security.

1.56The Climate Army should be established as a distinct civilian capability, clearly separated from Defence structures, budgets and personnel. This separation is essential to ensure that national security priorities remain uncompromised, while also providing Australia with a dedicated, professionally trained volunteer force capable of responding rapidly and effectively to climate related disasters.

1.57A civilian Climate Army would strengthen Australia’s whole of nation resilience, bolster community self-reliance, and reduce pressure on the ADF by taking responsibility for disaster preparedness, recovery and mitigation at the community level. This approach aligns with the broader objectives of national security, resilience and sovereign capability.

Conclusion

1.58We have many great volunteers across Australia, but coordinating, training and incentivising them, while keeping them safe, is challenging. Bushfires, floods and storms are no longer isolated emergencies, they are part of a continuous multi-hazard environment that demands a professionalised, well-trained and adaptable volunteer base. All organisations involved in Australian disaster response, preparedness and mitigation agree that we need more volunteers and that in some cases those volunteers need to be incentivised. But how we incentivise, educate, integrate and coordinate volunteers, needs a considered and consultative approach that will protect the systems already in place.

1.59While this inquiry has highlighted the strong case for a coordinated national volunteer framework, further investigation is needed to ensure that any proposed National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) genuinely meets the needs and expectations of the next generation of Australians. Many submissions referenced the importance of engaging young people, yet few provided direct testimony from young Australians themselves. To design a program that is both effective and enduring, it is critical that young people are consulted about the barriers they face and the incentives that would motivate them to participate. Understanding how volunteering can align with their education, employment and lifestyle pressures will be essential to building a sustainable volunteer pipeline.

1.60The success of any national scheme will depend on ensuring that volunteers have access to necessary resources, equipment and training to perform their roles safely and effectively. This includes access to nationally consistent, quality training, protective equipment, and mental health support, as well as investment in local infrastructure to enable coordinated deployment when disasters occur.

1.61The submissions reaffirm that the challenge is not a lack of goodwill, but the absence of coordination, incentive and structure. A well-designed Climate Army could rebuild the pipeline of volunteers, strengthen national resilience and provide young Australians with meaningful opportunities for service, learning and leadership. The Climate Army provides an opportunity to transform concerns about climate change into collective action that builds safer, stronger and more connected communities.

1.62Establish a National Volunteer Resilience Framework to coordinate training, safety, recognition and data across states, integrating with existing emergency services rather than duplicating them.

1.63Undertake further consultation with young Australians about volunteering, with a focus on identifying the barriers to participation and the incentives and supports needed to encourage sustained involvement in disaster preparedness and response.

1.64Ensure volunteers have access to adequate resources, equipment and nationally consistent training and support to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

1.65Develop a nationally recognised credentialing system to provide portable qualifications in disaster response, safety and leadership, with recognition across education and employment sectors.

1.66Explore options to incentivise youth participation, including education credits, HECS or TAFE fee reductions or integration of volunteering into secondary and tertiary curricula.

1.67Invest in community resilience projects to maintain engagement between disaster events and shift investment toward prevention and mitigation.

1.68Ensure there is clear separation from Defence resources, by establishing the Climate Army as a distinct civilian capability that supports, but does not draw from, ADF personnel or funding.

Senator Jacqui Lambie

JLN Senator for Tasmania

Footnotes

[1]See Boots on the ground: Raising resilience – Parliament of Australia.

[2]University of Tasmania website, Extreme bushfires increasing in number and intensity, 25 June 2025, https://www.utas.edu.au/about/news-and-stories/articles/2024/extreme-bushfires-increasing-in-number-and-intensity.

[3]The Bureau of Meteorology, Research and Development, https://www.bom.gov.au/government-and-industry/research-and-development.

[4]NRMA blog, How we can all use our Fire Inside to join a new Australian army of helpers, December 2021, https://www.nrma.com.au/blog/community/how-we-can-all-use-our-fire-inside-join-new-helpers (accessed 1 November 2025).

[5]Australian Climate Service website, National Climate Risk Assessment, https://www.acs.gov.au/.

[6]Australian Climate Service, Risk to Defence and national security, https://www.acs.gov.au/pages/systems-defence.

[7]Sydney Environment Institute, Submission 16 (47th Parliament), p. 1.

[8]Volunteering Australia website, National Strategy for Volunteering, https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/national-strategy-for-volunteering/.

[9]Volunteering in Australia 2022, The Volunteer Perspective, 2022, https://volunteeringstrategy.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Volunteering-in-Australia-2022-The-Volunteer-Perspective.pdf, p. 10.

[10]United Firefighters Union of Australia, Submission 31 (47th Parliament), p. 1.

[11]Volunteering Australia, Key Volunteering Statistics, March 2024, https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/Volunteering-Australia-Key-Volunteering-Statistics-2024-Update.pdf.

[12]NSW Premier's Department, Submission 29 (47th Parliament), p. 6.

[13]South Australian Country Fire Service, Submission 15 (47th Parliament), p. 2.

[14]Deloitte News Release, Deloitte's Gen Z and Millennial Survey reveals two generations striving for balance and advocating for change, 18 May 2022, https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/press-room/deloittes-gen-z-and-millennial-survey-reveals-two-generations-striving-for-balance-and-advocating-for-change.html.

[15]National Strategy for Volunteering, National Strategy for Volunteering 2022–23, https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/National-Strategy-for-Volunteering-2023-2033.pdf.

[16]Texas Military Department website, State Tuition Assistance, https://tmd.texas.gov/state-tuition-assistance-program.

[17]Learnt Group Pty Ltd, Submission 8 (47th Parliament), p. 5.

[18]Youth Affairs Council Victoria, Youth-Focused Disaster Recovery Protocol, February 2020, https://www.yacvic.org.au/assets/Uploads/Youth-Focused-Disaster-Recovery-Protocol-February-2020.pdf, p. 2.

[19]Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters, Submission 26 (47th Parliament), p. 9.

[20]South Australian Country Fire Service, Submission 15 (47th Parliament), p. 2.

[21]Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters, Submission 26 (47th Parliament), p. 15.

[22]Student Volunteer Army website, SVA Service Award, https://www.sva.org.nz/sva-service-award.

[23]Mr David Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Disaster Relief Australia, Proof Committee Hansard, 29 September 2025, pp. 1 and 3.

[24]Duke of Edinburgh International Award Australia, Submission 11 (47th Parliament), p. 5.

[25]Daniel Hurst, 'Former ADF chief calls for release of secret report into security threat posed by climate crisis', The Guardian, 5 April 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/05/former-adf-chief-calls-for-release-of-secret-report-into-security-threat-posed-by-climate-crisis.

[26]Daniel Hurst, 'Former ADF chief calls for release of secret report into security threat posed by climate crisis', The Guardian, 5 April 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/05/former-adf-chief-calls-for-release-of-secret-report-into-security-threat-posed-by-climate-crisis.

[27]Daniel Hurst, 'Former ADF chief calls for release of secret report into security threat posed by climate crisis', The Guardian, 5 April 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/05/former-adf-chief-calls-for-release-of-secret-report-into-security-threat-posed-by-climate-crisis.

[28]Australian Climate Service website, Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment, https://www.acs.gov.au/pages/national-climate-risk-assessment.

[29]Jake Evans, ' Concurrent disasters will overwhelm responders, stress ADF, risk report warns', Australian Broadcasting CorporationNews, 16 September 2025, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-16/defence-forces-disaster-response-climate-risk-assessment/105778304.

[30]Australian Climate Service, Risk to Defence and national security, https://www.acs.gov.au/pages/systems-defence.

[31]Department of Defence, Submission 9 (47th Parliament), p. 5.

[32]Name Withheld, Submission 6, p. [3].

[33]Mr Ethan Barr, Submission 5 (47th Parliament), p. 1.

[34]Mr Ethan Barr, Submission 5 (47th Parliament), p. 1.

[35]Mr Ethan Barr, Submission 5 (47th Parliament), p. 1.

[36]Department of Defence, Submission 9 (47th Parliament), p. 4.

[37]Department of Defence, Submission 9 (47th Parliament), p. 5.

[38]National Emergency Management Agency, Submission 13 (47th Parliament), p. 7.