Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

In addition to the 'call for' activities that we now have underway, I'm also working with Defence to work through how we can provide further response to larger, more severe and also more protracted natural disasters beyond, as I've said, the 'call for' arrangements. A broader response can include a compulsory call-out of Reserves if the situation requires. Reserve forces can be called out by the Governor-General in accordance with section 28 of the Defence Act. This mechanism has never been used. Defence is working through every aspect of such a call-out at the moment to ensure that we are prepared if required. Defence will continue tasking discrete elements of the Army Reserves, Navy Reserves and also Air Force Reserves using existing voluntary 'call for' arrangements, again as the circumstances require. Can I just say on behalf of us all: thank you very much. I'm very proud of our men and women in uniform and for the support.