Volunteers provide essential support for Australia’s emergency response system during bushfires, floods, cyclones and other disasters. Volunteer organisations play an incredibly important role underpinning national resilience in times of crisis. Extreme events result in acute emergencies for affected communities, as well as for authorities determining how best to respond and how to build systemic resilience into Australia’s broader response structure. Volunteers have long played a crucial role in this response.

The inquiry terms of reference propose that a National Volunteer Incentive Scheme be established. This report looks at evidence on boosting volunteer engagement by improving the incentives, training and recognition available for volunteers. It explores the complexities of establishing a national volunteer body able to assist in the response to natural disasters.

Recommendations

1. The committee recommends that the Australian Government undertakes deeper consultation with the emergency response and broader volunteering sectors before any decisions about the feasibility, risks and benefits of establishing a national volunteer incentive scheme are made.
2. The committee recommends that the Australian Government avoid using the term ‘Climate Army’ if any type of a national volunteer incentive scheme is implemented in the future.