Over recent years, the Army has been involved in a number of domestic natural disaster relief efforts. While the initial response to a disaster and the primary responsibility for the protection of life, property and the environment in emergencies, short of war, rests with the States and Territories, Army has demonstrated its adaptable nature and ability to respond to challenging and complex tasks - at short notice - within Australia. This is testament to the quality, skill and dedication of Army's people.
Where civilian resources are inadequate, unavailable or cannot be mobilised in time, emergency Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements enable the Australian Defence Force to contribute in order to save human life, alleviate suffering and prevent loss of animal life or property.
Provision of Defence assistance follows a request from the relevant State or Territory government to Emergency Management Australia.