NSW SES volunteers participate in a training exercise on Sydney Harbour, Saturday, February 3, 2024. The NSW SES is leading a multi-agency flood boat exercise, designed to enhance flood rescue and flood support operations. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE
With around 90 per cent of fire and emergency service workers being volunteers, experts warn that more help will be needed as climate change intensifies. To attract volunteers, incentives such as scholarships, reimbursements, stipends, tax breaks, and student loan reductions are now being considered. A Senate inquiry is also examining proposals for a new national scheme to create a "Climate Army" of young volunteers, to strengthen Australia’s disaster response capacity.
With around 90 per cent of fire and emergency service workers being volunteers, experts warn that more help will be needed as climate change intensifies. To attract volunteers, incentives such as scholarships, reimbursements, stipends, tax breaks, and student loan reductions are now being considered. A Senate inquiry is also examining proposals for a new national scheme to create a "Climate Army" of young volunteers, to strengthen Australia’s disaster response capacity.
