Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the report of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference Committee on the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme, together with accompanying documents. I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

I am very pleased to table this report. This inquiry examined how Australia can better encourage and sustain volunteer participation in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. It follows the earlier work of the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Resilience and builds on the findings of the Colvin Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding.

Our committee considered whether a national incentive scheme for volunteers could strengthen Australia's ability to respond to disasters, ease the burden on existing emergency services and ensure volunteers are properly trained, recognised and supported.

Australia has long depended on volunteers. When fires rage, when floodwaters rise and when cyclones hit, it is hardworking Australians from every part of our country who turn up, often at great personal risk and expense, to help their neighbours and communities in times of dire need. From our state emergency services, rural fire services and country fire authorities to organisations like Australian Red Cross, Disaster Relief Australia and Conservation Volunteers Australia, volunteers are integral to our national response effort. They represent the very best of who we are as Australians—community minded, resourceful and ready to help without expectation of reward. Yet this inquiry made clear that this is a proud tradition under strain. Volunteer numbers have fallen steadily over the past decade. In the fire services alone, volunteer numbers declined by over 14 per cent between 2014-15 and 2023-24. Our committee heard that many Australians want to help but are finding it harder to do so with the added pressures of work, the cost of living and a lack of employer support.

Our inquiry sought to test whether a national volunteer incentive scheme could help reverse these trends. Could a coordinated national model mobilise volunteers, particularly young Australians, in a way which supports existing volunteer services? We received a variety of evidence. Some stakeholders argued that a national umbrella body could create new pathways and strengthen resilience, while others, including fire and emergency services, warned that duplicating existing structures could be counterproductive.

The committee wants to focus on what works—what practical and sustainable steps could genuinely increase volunteer participation, improve training and recognition and support the people who already do this most extraordinary work. Volunteering Australia told us that formal volunteering rates have fallen from one-third of adults in 2002 to one-quarter in 2020. The reasons are complex. The cost-of-living pressures and ageing demographics are key barriers. We also heard concerns that young Australians are volunteering less and less. Some submissions challenged this perception and suggested young people often volunteer informally and are motivated by purpose and values, rather than institutional affiliation.

But there is no doubt that, as a nation, we need to make volunteering more accessible and more rewarding. Financial barriers such as travel, training and equipment costs should not deter participation. Volunteers should not be left out of pocket for choosing to serve their communities. Similarly, volunteers deserve clear pathways for training and recognition. Many seek skills and qualifications which can translate into career opportunities, and that's a win-win for both individuals and Australia's disaster response capability.

We had a look at successful overseas models like the Student Volunteer Army in New Zealand, the Peace Corps in the United States and the European Solidarity Corps in the European Union, all of which demonstrated the power of structured and skills based volunteering. It is also important to remember we have proven Australian examples. Disaster Relief Australia, founded by veterans, now has nearly 6½ thousand volunteers nationwide and continues to grow at 38 per cent per year, which is incredible. Its model provides training, national coordination and strong community partnerships while preserving the volunteer spirit. Conservation Volunteers Australia has decades of experience in engaging young people in environmental recovery projects.

One of the clearest messages to emerge from the inquiry was that Australia does not lack volunteer organisations; what it lacks is a coordinated framework and consistent support. State and territory governments retain primary responsibility for emergency management, so any national scheme must therefore complement the existing arrangements and not cut across them. On balance, we recommend that the Commonwealth work with the National Emergency Management Agency and with volunteer based organisations to strengthen the frameworks we already have, particularly through targeted funding, streamlined training standards and a national volunteer credentialing system.

Training is central to sustaining a capable volunteer force. We found strong support for standardised national training which recognises existing skills and builds new ones through the vocational education and training system. Volunteers could also seek and gain microcredentials or nationally recognised qualifications which are portable across state and organisations.

Safety was another major focus. Volunteers face not only physical but psychological risks. Therefore, that was really identified as a key focus in any further work that needs to be done.

There was some concern about reference to the title 'climate army'. We had some submissions from those who felt that that overmilitarised and took away from the volunteering spirit which underpins so many organisations.

In summary, the committee made two recommendations. First was that the Australian government undertake 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. Second was that the Australian government perhaps move away from the reference to the term 'climate army'.

On behalf of the committee, I want to extend our sincere thanks to the many individuals and organisations who contributed to this inquiry—from state emergency services and local councils to not-for-profit organisations, academics and, of course, the many wonderful volunteers who shared their experiences. Above all, I really want to acknowledge and salute Australia's volunteers. They are the first to step forward the last to leave. They ask for little, yet they give so much. Their courage, compassion and resilience define us as a nation.

This report calls for a system which matches our volunteers' commitment to our great country—a system which values service, strengthens communities and ensures Australia is always ready when the next challenge comes our way. I commend our report to the Senate.

Question agreed to.