On 30 November 2022, the Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience to inquire into and report on:

(a) current preparedness, response and recovery workforce models, including:

1. the role of the Australian Defence Force in responding to domestic natural disasters,
2. the impact of more frequent and more intense natural disasters, due to climate change, on the ongoing capacity and capability of the Australian Defence Force,
3. the impact on the Australian Defence Force in responding to domestic natural disasters, and
4. the role of Australian civil and volunteer groups, not-for-profit organisations and state-based services in preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural disasters, and the impact of more frequent and more intense natural disasters on their ongoing capacity and capability;

(b) consideration of alternative models, including:

1. repurposing or adapting existing Australian civil and volunteer groups, not-for-profit organisations and state-based services, and
2. overseas models and best practice;

(c) consideration of the practical, legislative, and administrative arrangements that would be required to support improving Australia’s resilience and response to natural disasters; and

(d) any related matters.

The resolution establishing the Committee is available in the Journals of the Senate No. 26 – 30 November 2022.