THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Shadow Minister for Emergency Management
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Federal Member for Maranoa
9 October 2026
Shadow Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud has exposed glaring deficiencies in the Albanese Labor Government’s plan for a civilian disaster relief and recovery workforce, after officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were unable to explain in Senate Estimates today what would replace Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), which was liquidated in May this year, as Australia enters the Higher-Risk Weather Season.
When questioned, NEMA officials could not identify any nationally scalable and rapidly deployable boots-on-the-ground recovery workforce to replace the proven capability previously provided by DRA veterans and volunteers, despite describing the clean-up, logistics and planning assistance the organisation delivered during natural disasters as “highly regarded”. NEMA then conceded that the absence of DRA presented “some challenges going forward”.
Mr Littleproud slammed Labor’s failure to develop an immediate replacement, saying the loss of any DRA-style capability this summer would leave Australian communities more vulnerable to the devastating impacts of bushfires, floods and cyclones.
“Over many years, DRA had been at the forefront of providing critical support to our disaster-ravaged communities during times of crisis, including the Lismore floods, Cyclone Jasper and the Black Summer bushfires. These are the men and women who were the backbone of emergency recovery, and who selflessly helped their fellow Australians during some of our nation’s most catastrophic moments,” Mr Littleproud said.
“For the Government to allow this incredible network of veterans and volunteers to crumble without any replacement or contingency plan is inexcusable and a disgrace.”
Established in 2016, DRA built a national network of thousands of veterans who used their skills, experience and commitment to serving Australia to respond in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Following allegations of misconduct late last year, DRA was investigated and had its funding paused by NEMA, which then commissioned a Deloitte report that ultimately found the claims against DRA could not be substantiated. However, following months of uncertainty, DRA shut down on 29 May 2026, leaving scores of dedicated veterans and volunteers distraught.
During a natural disaster, it also means that Australia could now face the potential prospect of relying on the Australian Defence Force to undertake the crucial recovery work previously undertaken by DRA veterans.
Mr Littleproud said the debacle raised serious questions about the competence, professionalism and leadership of the Albanese Government when it comes to leading Australia’s disaster response and recovery
“Labor has had five months to act on this. They have had five months to come up with a plan. They have had five months to prepare for this Higher-Risk Weather Season, which is forecast to be one of the most severe on record,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Today, the Government has failed to outline a strategy for preserving and utilising the vast network provided by experienced former DRA personnel. Our veterans, our volunteers, and our disaster-prone communities around Australia deserve better than this shambles.”
ENDS
