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

Thank you very much, Senator Molan. Can I say again that I am incredibly proud of our reserve forces, who have made such an important contribution to our nation's defence. They have served with great honour both in operations overseas and increasingly now in domestic support operations such as Operation Bushfire Assist and now Operation COVID-19 Assist.

Over 3,500 ADF members are supporting all states and territories, and that includes 800 of our Defence Force reserves. To support these Defence Force reserves who are now doing it tough during COVID-19, we're increasing the annual reserve days by 210,000 this financial year and we are providing support to recruit an additional 500 Defence reserves. The Morrison government is backing ADF reserves who have lost their primary form of civilian income, and today's measures will ensure we are best placed to meet the high-risk weather season. (Time expired)