Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) | Link to this | Hansard source

I present seven government responses to committee reports as listed at item 15 on today's Order of Business, and I seek leave to have the documents incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The documents read as follows—

Australian Government response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report:

Aged care service delivery

July 2026

OVERVIEW

On 28 July 2025 the Senate referred aged care service delivery to the Committee Affairs References Committee (the Committee) for inquiry and report.

The Government acknowledges the work of Committee in producing its final report and thanks those individuals and organisations who contributing to the Committee's consideration of this matter through submissions or public hearings.

The Australian Government is reforming in-home aged care, to ensure that older people have access to high quality aged care services and can live their lives in the way they wish to and deserve.

The aged care reforms respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the Aged Care Taskforce. The reforms were announced with bipartisan support, which led to the successful passage of the Aged Care Act 2024 (Act), ensuring that these aged care reforms are enduring and that older Australians get the care and dignity they deserve.

The Aged Care Act 2024 (the Act), Support at Home and many other associated reforms to

Australia's aged care system commenced from 1 November 2025.

The rights-based Act delivered on 58 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It enshrined the rights of older Australians in law and creates a system designed to deliver safe, dignified and high-quality care for an ageing population. It creates a single-entry point with clear eligibility requirements and includes a fair, culturally safe single assessment framework. It increased provider accountability through a new regulatory model and supports the delivery of aged care services. It also established new system oversight and accountability arrangements and strengthens the aged care regulator.

Support at Home, which the Australian Government is investing $4.3 billion in, will improve home care wait times and add 300,000 more places over the next 10 years.

In response to the high demand for in-home aged care support, on 3 September 2025, the Government announced that an additional 20,000 packages would be released ahead of the Support at Home commencement on 1 November 2025. To further support older people, an additional 63,000 Support at Home places will be released between 1 November 2025 and 30 June 2026. Importantly, Home Care Packages (HCP) were released weekly to people assessed as needing in-home aged care right up to the commencement of the new program. This weekly place release has continued since the commencement of Support at Home.

Since that commencement, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the Department), in close collaboration with delivery partner agencies including Services Australia and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, has continued to actively monitor and support implementation of these generational reforms through a coordinated approach, with heightened sector engagement and incident management arrangements.

This approach has also involved regular engagement with Ageing Australia, the Council on the Ageing (COTA) and the Older Person Advocacy Network (OPAN) to proactively identify and address issues as they arise.

On Wednesday 22 April 2026, the Government announced a new $3 billion Government aged care investment as part of an early announcement ahead of 2026-27 Budget. This builds on the Government's investment at MYEFO 2025-26, which included $1.1 billion in investments to support older Australians. This further investment will deliver changes to support older people receiving aged care at home and in residential services.

Government responses to committee recommendations 5

Recommendation 1

The committee recommends that the Australian Government release all 83,000 packages promised prior to the 2025 federal election, before 30 June 2026.

The Government notes this recommendation, having already committed to the release of 83,000 additional in-home aged care places by 30 June 2026 per the schedule below:

The committee recommends that the Australian Government make provision for additional Support at Home packages as a matter of urgency, to meet the needs of the over 200,000 older Australians who are either waiting for a package or waiting for an assessment for a package as identified by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Recommendation 3

The committee recommends that the Australian Government work towards ending the rationing of care packages in a timeframe that is consistent with the sector's capacity to deliver the additional packages.

The Government notes these recommendations.

Funding for Support at Home will grow in line with projected growth in demand.

Recommendation 4

The committee recommends the Senate refer to the Community Affairs References Committee the following matter for inquiry and report by the first sitting week of August 2026:

The Government notes this recommendation.

Recommendation 5

The committee recommends the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing publish real-time information on both the waiting period for assessment and receipt of a home care service package; and review communication strategies to ensure that older people remain engaged with seeking assistance.

The Government notes this recommendation.

As the aged care system undergoes major reforms to make it simpler and more responsive, the Government will continue to improve the clarity and reliability of information provided.

The Department also continues to review and refine its communications to help older people and their families plan with confidence and remain engaged in seeking assistance.

Recommendation 6

The committee urges the Inspector-General of Aged Care to consider conducting an urgent review into the operation of the Single Assessment System.

Recommendation 7

The committee recommends the Senate refer, to the Community Affairs References Committee, for inquiry and report by 15 April 2026, the expected impact of the Support at Home Program model on:

The Government notes these recommendations.

Recommendation 8

The committee recommends that the Australian Government should consider the adequacy of daily living supports delivered through the at-home aged care system for older Australians living with a disability, in comparison with those delivered through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Government notes this recommendation.

Daily living supports delivered through the at-home aged care system for older people living with a disability were considered in the design of Support at Home. The design of the program includes a higher level of care for people living at home (approximately $78,000 per year) and a new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme which benefits older people living with a disability.

Recommendation 9

The committee recommends that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, in consultation with allied health professionals, undertake an urgent review of the list of inclusions for the AT-HM scheme.

The Government notes this recommendation.

The AT-HM list sets out the equipment, products and home modifications that are available for older people under the AT-HM scheme.

The list was constructed using internationally agreed instruments and standards (Australian-adopted AS/NZS ISO Assistive Product- classification and terminology standard (2023)) and informed by subject matter experts and consultation with allied health professionals, providers, AT suppliers.

The Government has separately agreed to establish a review process for the AT-HM list to consider changes over time to support required adjustments and account for emerging technologies and ensure the list remains current and fit for purpose.

Recommendation 1 0

The committee recommends that the Australian Government provides aged care service providers with a schedule for the release of places under the Home Care Packages Program and the Support at Home Program, which includes details on the volume of places, the timing of their release, and their geographical locations.

The Government notes this recommendation.

The release of places is dynamic, being based on characteristics of the priority system. The composition and allocation of places vary daily depending on the classification level spread and volume of assessments undertaken.

During the Home Care Package program the Department regularly published statistics on packages released each quarter and their geographical distribution, through the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare GEN Aged Care Data website.

This practice has continued under Support at Home.

The Department also publishes the overall annual target for number of places in its Corporate Plan.

Recommendation 1 1

The committee recommends that the Australian Government finalise its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems as a matter of urgency to ensure that providers can be ready to meet the requirements of the Aged Care Act 2024 on 1 November 2025.

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government had the necessary ICT systems ready for all users including older people, the My Aged Care Contact Centre and the aged care workforce, including assessors and providers, to support implementation of the Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home from 1 November 2025.

Further support was provided to the sector through a series of webinars as well as published guidance including digital change guides and provider transition resources. Providers were assisted to prepare through digital maturity and impact assessments, complemented by detailed operational guidance and FAQs. Direct support was also available through the My Aged Care and Services Australia contact centres, including one-on-one Support at Home claiming assistance where required.

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Dear President

I write to advise that the Australian Government has provided its response to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee report titled "Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 [Provisions]".

The Government's response was addressed via the Revised Supplementary Explanatory Memorandum for the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Iefrastnicture and Other Measures) Bill 2024 [Provisions} on 4 October 2024. For completeness and ease of reference, I have attached an extract of the Revised Supplementary Explanatory Memorandum.

Please arrange for this letter and the attached material to be tabled in the Senate.

Yours sincerely

Dr Daniel Mulino, Assistant Treasurer

Enc. Revised Supplementary Explanatory Memorandum.

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Dear President

I am writing to convey the Government's response to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee report titled "Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 5) Bill 2021", which predates the 47th Parliament.

The Government notes each recommendation of the report. However, given the passage of time since the report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate.

Please accept this letter as the Government's response to the Committee's report. A copy of this letter has also been provided to Senator Varun Ghosh, Chair of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.

Yours sincerely

Dr Daniel Mulino

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Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade's Human Rights Subcommittee report:

Inquiry into Australia's efforts to advocate for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty

April 2026

Introduction

The Australian Government thanks the Committee for its report and recommendations regarding Australia's efforts to advocate for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.

The Government also recognises the valuable contributions made to the inquiry by civil society organisations.

The Government has agreed, fully, in part or in principle, with all of the recommendations made by the Committee.

Australia's opposition to the death penalty is longstanding and principled. There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty deters crime, and any mistake or miscarriage of justice in the imposition of capital punishment is irreversible. The death penalty is also disproportionately imposed on individuals in vulnerable situations.

145 countries have now abolished the death penalty in law or in practice. 113 are abolitionist for all crimes while 23 are abolitionist in practice and nine are abolitionist for ordinary crimes only. The move towards global abolition reflects the growing consensus that the death penalty has no place in modern society. Despite this, the number of annual executions worldwide is the highest in almost a decade. This underscores the significant need for

Australia's continued advocacy efforts.

The Government regularly uses bilateral, regional and multilateral mechanisms to urge all countries, including close partners, to abolish capital punishment in law and in practice. We also work alongside civil society and likeminded governments.

Australia has raised its opposition to the death penalty in retentionist countries through regular bilateral representations, and statements against the death penalty in relevant multilateral forums. This has included making recommendations or comments on reform to 78 of 84 UN member states that retain the death penalty in law through those countries' most recent Universal Periodic Reviews (a UN Human Rights Council mechanism that periodically examines the human rights records of each UN member state).

The Government is committed to strengthening its advocacy on the death penalty, which is an important part of Australia's broader efforts to advance the protection and promotion of human rights within our region and globally.

The recommendations of the Committee have informed the development of a revised Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty. This revised strategy will ensure the document remains effective, reflects current international and legal developments since 2018, and more broadly guides whole of government engagement on abolition of the death penalty.

In November 2025, the Government appointed the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP as Australia's Special Envoy for International Human Rights. As Special Envoy, Mr Dreyfus undertakes an enhanced advocacy role for the abolition for the death penalty, including implementation of the revised Strategy.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Subcommittee recommends that the Australian Government continues to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty in all retentionist countries through bilateral, multilateral and regional fora, and with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

This advocacy should consider canvassing support for a coalition of like-minded abolitionist countries in the Asia-Pacific region to work together on advocating for the abolition of the death penalty regionally.

Response:

The Government agrees with this recommendation.

Australia undertakes a principled and global approach to its advocacy on the death penalty, urging all retentionist countries to take steps towards complete abolition.

The Government will continue to advocate for the global abolition of the death penalty through bilateral, multilateral and regional mechanisms. This includes but is not limited to bilateral representations, formal dialogues, and use of regional, plurilateral, and multilateral forums and processes, including the United Nations, World Congress Against the Death Penalty, and region-specific forums.

As part of these efforts, the Government will pursue opportunities to partner with likeminded abolitionist countries in the Indo-Pacific region on collective advocacy efforts, including potentially delivery of joint representations and statements through or in the sidelines of regional forums. Such partnerships will be dependent on the capacity and willingness of relevant countries to engage in collective advocacy, as well as the anticipated effectiveness of these advocacy efforts.

The Government will also consider options to elevate its general advocacy strategies within the Indo-Pacific region, including strengthening engagement with governments and parliaments, as well as prominent and influential civil society actors and international organisations.

Recommendation 2

The Subcommittee recommends that the Australian Government, recognising that the path to abolition may be incremental, advocates for a reduction in the categories of crimes that carry the death penalty in retentionist countries and for discretion in sentencing. This should include the development of strategies to advocate for:

the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes, which the United Nations notes

do not constitute 'most serious crimes', and

the abolition of the mandatory death penalty for all crimes, in recognition that courts contemplating imposing death sentences should have the discretion to consider mitigating circumstances.

Mechanisms that could be utilised for such advocacy include United Nations fora, such as the Universal Periodic Review and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

Response:

The Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government recognises that retentionist countries' progress towards complete abolition of the death penalty may be incremental and that different paths are taken towards this goal. This recognition is articulated in Australia's Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty alongside the specific goals of Australia's advocacy, which includes a focus on the reduction in the number of crimes that attract the death penalty in each retentionist country, and the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes.

These are longstanding components of the Government's advocacy against the death penalty, which are raised regularly by the Government's officials overseas with relevant retentionist countries and in Australia's engagement in multilateral mechanisms. For example, the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes is raised consistently in Australia's high-level statement and broader engagement at the annual United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).

As part of these efforts, the Government will continue to work to strengthen its advocacy against use of the death penalty for drug-related crimes as well as advocacy on the abolition of the mandatory death penalty for all crimes, including where appropriate by developing forward plans to increase advocacy efforts on these specific issues in relevant bilateral and regional advocacy, as well as continued use of multilateral mechanisms and forums to raise awareness, including at the CND and relevant ASEAN forums.

The Government will continue to use the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review process (UPR) to encourage reform on these specific matters, noting that Australia has made recommendations or comments relating to reform on the death penalty to 78 of 84 UN member states that retain the death penalty in law in their most recent UPRs.

The Government will also encourage and support the sharing of recent reform experiences and processes related to the abolition of the mandatory death penalty and the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes, particularly in our region.

Recommendation 3

The Subcommittee recommends that the Australian Government provide an annual statement against the death penalty, to be delivered in Parliament and across multiple platforms. The statement should:

Be a joint statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General.

Reinforce the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Strategy for Abolition of the

Death Penalty and allow the Australian Government to clearly articulate Australia's stance

on the death penalty and global abolition.

Highlight Australia's advocacy activities in bilateral, multilateral and regional fora.

Recognise progress in abolishing the death penalty in retentionist states, while also

detailing regressive initiatives taken by states.

Response:

The Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government will deliver an annual statement about our work to advocate for the global abolition of the death penalty. This would provide an opportunity to articulate Australia's strong opposition to the death penalty, highlight the Government's advocacy efforts, and recognise developments globally.

Recommendation 4

The Subcommittee recommends the Australian Government in consultation with civil society organisations, consider the development of a strategy for domestic education and awareness raising to reinforce Australia's opposition to death penalty and its efforts to advocate for its abolition worldwide.

This work could include multicultural groups and associations in the development of resources to engage with diaspora communities in Australia about Australia's global stance on the death penalty.

Response:

The Government agrees with this recommendation in principle.

The Government recognises the importance of ongoing domestic education and advocacy to ensure the public's understanding of Australia's position as an abolitionist country and its strong opposition to the death penalty. The Government will consider opportunities to promote and raise awareness of Australia's opposition to the death penalty, and the reasons for this opposition, through future outreach efforts.

Recommendation 5

The Subcommittee recommends that the Australian Government consider providing adequate funding for civil society organisations to more accurately gather data on trends and current areas of concern regarding the use of the death penalty.

The data will provide the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with valuable insights to better formulate country specific engagement strategies for the abolition of the death penalty.

Response:

The Government agrees with this recommendation in principle.

The Government is committed to supporting and working alongside pro-abolition civil society organisations as part of its advocacy efforts for the global abolition of the death penalty and recognises the valuable insights and expertise that these organisations contribute.

The Government will continue to support civil society organisations where possible, including to gather data and assess trends and current areas of concern regarding the use of the death penalty.

Recommendation 6

The Subcommittee recommends that the Attorney-General's Department consult Capital Punishment Justice Project, who have global expertise and experience working with anti-death penalty networks worldwide, regarding the list of lawyers provided by Australian Missions to ensure the competency and qualifications of the local lawyers engaged to represent Australian nationals in capital cases.

Further, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consider the engagement of specialist legal support services such as the Capital Punishment Justice Project to monitor the progress of trials involving Australian nationals and, where appropriate, to support the work and advocacy of local capital defence lawyers.

Response:

The Government agrees in part with this recommendation.

The Government will continue to consult Capital Punishment Justice Project, noting its expertise on death penalty issues and relevant legal representation, about the composition of the list of local lawyers for Australians provided by Australia's missions overseas.

It is beyond the scope of the Australian Government's consular role to engage legal advice for Australians directly. DFAT will continue to engage and communicate with civil society organisations and/or legal support services on death penalty abolition advocacy and, where appropriate and with the consent of the relevant clients, on individual death penalty cases.

Recommendation 7

The Subcommittee recommends that the Australian Government undertake annual reviews of the mechanisms and operations of the Australian Federal Police's Sensitive Investigations Oversight Board to ensure the processes are sufficient and that they adhere to Australia's human rights obligations and commitment to the global abolition of the death penalty.

This should include reviewing the AFP National Guideline on International Police-to-Police Assistance in Death Penalty Situations to ensure that potential death penalty situations are being appropriately overseen by the Sensitive Investigations Oversight Board.

The annual review should be conducted by an independent person appointed by the Attorney-General in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Consideration should be given to expanding the membership of the Board to include experts external to the Australian Federal Police.

Response :

The Government agrees in part with this recommendation.

The Government supports robust and effective operational oversight of the AFP's decisions in death penalty matters, and will examine appropriate ways that a regular review can take place.

The AFP is an independent statutory agency, and the AFP Commissioner is responsible for the AFP's governance arrangements and performance of functions. The AFP's governance framework and processes for providing assistance to foreign law enforcement in death penalty situations are consistent with Australia's longstanding opposition to the death penalty, as well as international human rights obligations.

The AFP undertakes periodic review of its implementation of the National Guideline on International police-to-police assistance in death penalty situations (the National Guideline), generally every 3 years. Additionally, the National Guideline may be updated as required to respond to emerging challenges and operational requirements.

In January 2024, the National Guideline was re-published noting decisions to provide assistance in matters involving the death penalty would be made at the Deputy Commissioner level after review by the AFP Sensitive Investigations Oversight Board (SIOB). This change, instigated in May 2023 at the request of the Attorney-General in his capacity as the minister responsible for the AFP, elevated the level of decision-making and strengthened oversight of decisions to provide assistance in cases with death penalty considerations.

The Government accepts that the AFP's Guidelines should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate. The AFP will also continue to undertake periodic reviews of all governance instruments to ensure Terms of Reference and National Guidelines are fit for purpose.

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Australian Government response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report:

National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army)

June 2026

Introduction

On 26 August 2025, the Senate referred the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee (the Committee) for inquiry and report by 6 November 2025. The inquiry was a re-referral of the inquiry on the same topic that lapsed at the end of the 47th Parliament, and the terms of reference remain unchanged in the 48th Parliament.

The terms of reference for the inquiry were:

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:

establishing targeted initiatives to encourage young people to participate in the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army);

exploring strategies to enhance volunteer engagement, including systems to recognise and compensate volunteers to promote satisfaction and positive culture;

integrating volunteer opportunities within educational institutions to increase student participation in volunteer organisations;

creating a nationally recognised qualification scheme that provides tangible benefits to volunteers and formally acknowledges their skills and contributions across sectors;

investigating whether there are appropriate laws and safeguards to protect the health and safety of volunteers;

the structure and governance of the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army);

comparison of relevant overseas models and best practices; and

any other related matters.

On 6 November 2025, the Committee tabled its report. The Australian Government thanks the Committee and the secretariat for the report, and everyone who contributed to the Inquiry.

The Government recognises the many Australians who volunteer, dedicating themselves to saving lives and supporting communities in the face of extreme weather and disasters. We value their contribution to Australia's preparedness, and their role in building Australia's national resilience.

The Government will continue to work collaboratively with state and territory governments to enhance volunteering arrangements across Australia. This is to support the volunteers who support our communities, and to maintain Australians' trust and confidence in the nation's disaster preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.

Recommendation 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.

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government acknowledges the importance of consultation in developing any strategies seeking to address challenges in attracting, supporting and retaining volunteers who serve communities facing extreme weather and disasters.

As many submissions to the Inquiry noted, establishing a national-level scheme to mobilise volunteers for disaster response would duplicate functions delivered by existing organisations at the national, state and local levels. The Australian Government supports working collaboratively with states and territories, who are responsible for many emergency services organisations that rely on volunteers within their jurisdictions, and in consultation with the non-government sector, to address the barriers and challenges specific to emergency volunteering.

This engagement is already underway. The Australian Government, together with state and territory governments is supporting the development of a National Emergency Volunteering Strategy, through the National Emergency Management Ministers' Meeting

The Minister for Emergency Management chairs the National Emergency Management Ministers' Meeting, which brings together emergency management portfolio ministers from all Australian jurisdictions, and the President of the Australian Local Government Association. Together their purpose is to drive national cooperation and a consistent approach to managing emergencies. Their focus is addressing long-term, strategic issues in disaster management and resilience, reporting to National Cabinet each year.

The draft National Emergency Volunteering Strategy is based on six priority areas identified through consultation as being vital to strengthening emergency volunteering across Australia. The six priority areas are: Training and Compliance; Incentives; Insurance and Protection; Disaster Funding; Honours and Awards; and Surge Capability. Many of these are consistent with issues canvassed by the Inquiry. The National Emergency Volunteering Strategy also considers the roles of volunteers beyond response, extending to those involved in prevention, preparedness, relief and recovery roles.

Consultation on the draft National Emergency Volunteering Strategy will continue in 2026.

Recommendation 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.

The Australian Government agrees in principle with this recommendation.

The Australian Government acknowledges the term 'Climate Army' is not supported by volunteers, as detailed in evidence to the Committee. The Government considers this military-stye framing does not accurately capture the nature and spirit of emergency volunteering, nor is it an appropriate way to describe the diverse functions volunteers provide in an emergency context, including community relief and recovery.

Additional Recommendations

Recommendation 1:

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

Recommendation 4:

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

The Australian Government agrees in principle withrecommendation 1 and notes Recommendation 4

Enhancing volunteer training, education, safety and recognition are among the six priority areas being addressed through the National Emergency Volunteering Strategy. This includes modernising training and compliance systems and supporting the development of portable skills. The Australian Government will work collaboratively with state and territory governments to support these initiatives.

These efforts will build on a strong foundation. Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system provides nationally recognised training and is designed to support a range of national needs and priorities.

This includes the Public Safety Training Package (PUA) which provides nationally endorsed qualifications to support emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities, including units designed for public safety roles, such as volunteers in Firefighting and State Emergency Services. It contains nationally recognised training products, including endorsed training package qualifications, units of competency and skillsets that support the delivery and maintenance of contemporary knowledge and skills across the public safety industry-sector.

Public Skills Australia is responsible for the implementation and development of the Public Safety Training Package, including updates to ensure the responsiveness and relevance of training products. Public Skills Australia is one of 10 established Jobs and Skills Councils in Australia, funded by the Australian Government. Jobs and Skills Councils provide industry with a stronger, more strategic voice to ensure Australia's Vocational Education and Training sector delivers better outcomes for learners and employers. As a national network of industry owned and industry-led organisations, Jobs and Skills Councils provide strategic leadership in addressing skills and workforce challenges for their sectors. Public Skills Australia is the Jobs and Skills Council responsible for the Public Safety and Government sector, including career and volunteer workforces within Fire and Emergency Services.

Public Skills Australia is currently finalising a Volunteer Leadership Research project focused on leadership training opportunities for non-operational emergency volunteer roles. The project is expected to produce recommendations regarding existing training products and assess whether additional training products are required to better support volunteer leadership.

Recommendation 2:

Undertake 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.

The Australian Government agrees in principle with this recommendation.

The Australian Government recognises young people's resilience, strength and capacity to lead positive change across Australia. In November 2025, Public Skills Australia, whose role is outlined in response to Additional Recommendations 1 and 4 above, released its 2025 Workforce Insights Report for Public Safety, covering Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, and Police. This report highlighted youth engagement and retention in volunteering as a key workforce challenge within the sector. In response, Public Skills Australia proposes to undertake further work in partnership with volunteer organisations to examine the factors influencing youth attraction, recruitment, and retention in the fire and emergency services context.

The Australian Government has implemented a Youth Engagement Model to give young people opportunity to engage on the policies and programs that impact them. The Office for Youth is a dedicated unit in the Department of Education that supports the contribution of young people and advocates, improves and harmonises policy across government, and ensures government is communicating effectively with young people. This mechanism has been used to undertake consultation with young Australians about volunteering and emergency management, and remains available to support youth engagement moving forward.

Recommendation 3:

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

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government's support for nationally consistent training through the VET sector and initiatives underway to strengthen these arrangements are outlined in response to Additional Recommendations 1 and 4.

Responsibility for providing resources, equipment and a safe environment for volunteers rests with the relevant volunteering organisations, some of which are part of state and territory governments.

The Australian Government does support the delivery of generalist training and resources to strengthen volunteer management practices nationally through the Volunteer Management Activity (VMA). The VMA is funded through the Department of Social Services and delivered by state and territory volunteering peak bodies. The VMA is designed to modernise and strengthen volunteering by building the capacity of organisations to recruit, train, manage and retain volunteers. It focuses on digital tools, best-practice training, improving regional coverage, and reducing barriers for priority groups. This includes training to support volunteer recruitment and retention, inclusive volunteering practices, and resources linked to the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. It also provides free legal resources and services that are developed and delivered by Justice Connect for not-for-profit community organisations that engage volunteers.

The Australian Government's Volunteer Grants program, provides $10 million annually to support eligible not-for-profit organisations to access resources such as online communication and insurance items, small equipment, training, reimbursement of fuel costs and background screening checks.

The Australian Government also currently funds targeted mental health support for emergency services workers including eligible volunteers, such as:

Recommendation 5:

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

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government acknowledges volunteering supports young people's civic engagement, skill development and career exploration.

Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum was agreed by all Education Ministers on 1 April 2022. It incorporates volunteering into secondary curricula, particularly in relation to career education and pathway planning, to build essential employability skills, enhance career development, and support transition planning. Volunteering is recognised as a valuable component of career pathways, fostering skills, community engagement, and personal, social, and emotional growth as part of the curriculum's general capabilities.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority is currently developing a curriculum connection resource that supports schools to better identify and plan career education using existing Australian Curriculum V 9.0 content from across learning areas. In response to requests to better integrate volunteering through education settings, the resource will reference volunteering in its key aspects as a meaningful context for career development learning and pathway exploration.

This work will be aligned to the Australian Blueprint for Career Development (a resource for career development practitioners and others with an interest in career development), and its core career management competencies. It will make clear how volunteering can support career development and build transferable skills. It will also support schools to embed volunteering as a meaningful learning context using existing Australian Curriculum content.

Recommendation 6:

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

The Australian Government agrees in principle with this recommendation.

The Disaster Ready Fund is the Australian Government's flagship disaster risk reduction and resilience program, providing up to $1 billion over five years from 1 July 2023. The program is delivered with funding contributions from state and territory governments. Three rounds of up to $200 million in Australian Government funding per round have already been announced, providing investments in community resilience across Australia.

For example in Round 3, the Australian Government committed $1.5 million for the Northern Rivers Community Resilience Alliance for the Connected and Prepared project, with a further $375,682 co-contributed by the NSW Government. The project aims to deliver a step-change in disaster resilience by supporting at least 60 independent, grassroots volunteer-led resilience groups. Through tailored support for these groups to develop sustainable governance systems, processes, tools and structures, the project lays the groundwork for scalable, regional disaster preparedness.

The Australian Government also invests in community resilience and risk reduction through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the joint cost sharing arrangements with states and territories for disaster response and recovery. Under the arrangements, the Prime Minister may agree to share the costs of a range of initiatives that states and territories request to support community recovery and to 'build back better' after a disaster. Examples include grants for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, community mental health and wellbeing programs, and rebuilding communities and infrastructure to a more resilient standard.

Recommendation 7:

Ensure 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.

The Australian Government agrees in principle with this recommendation.

The Australian Government is collaborating with states and territories to address the challenges to emergency volunteering through the approaches outlined in response to the Recommendations above. These maintain a clear distinction between volunteering organisations and the Australian Defence Force.

Separately, the Australian Government will consider requests from states and territories for Australian Defence Force assistance with disaster preparedness, response or recovery when local capabilities are not sufficient, overwhelmed or no alternative is available. The Defence Assistance to the Civil Community Guidelines provide for this support, which remains an option of last resort to ensure Australian communities facing crisis are safe and protected.

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Australian Government response to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit report No. 486

Regulatory Activities—Inquiry into Auditor General's Reports 33, 47, 48 (2019-20) and 5 and 8 (2020-21)—Recommendation 7

JUNE 2026

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide TEQSA with the ability to extend a deadline by mutual consent with a provider to allow providers additional time to submit further evidence in the interests of reducing the necessity of appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Government Response

The Government notes this recommendation. However, given the passage of time since this report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate.

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Australian Government response to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee report:

Qantas' decision to close regional bases in Canberra, Hobart and Mildura

April 2026

Overview

The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the interim report by the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee (the Committee) into the state of Australia's aviation sector and its ability to deliver reliable and affordable services to rural, regional and remote communities.

The government notes that the interim report tabled on 18 February 2026 addresses the matters in term of reference (aa) which refers to Qantas' decision to close regional bases in Canberra, Hobart and Mildura.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government's response to the interim report is set out below.

Recommendation 1

3.15TheCommitteerecommendsthatQantas/QantasLinkworkswiththeTransportWorkers'

Union, Australian Federation of Air Pilots, Flight Attendants' Association of Australia, and affectedpersonneltoagreeonappropriatecompensationforpilotsandcrewwhohavebeen 'doubly disrupted' by this decision, including:

The Australian Government notes this recommendation is a matter for Qantas Airways Limited to consider.

Recommendation 2

3.34 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government considers options for a formal mechanism to facilitate meaningful consultation between employees, the flying public, aviation sector stakeholders, regulators, and airlines on decisions affecting Australia's aviation network into the future.

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Aviation White Paper sets out the Australian Government's policies to improve the safety, productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian aviation industry.

The Government will further consider this recommendation in the context of the findings from the Committee final report.