We, the undersigned, call on the Board of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) to act in accordance with the organisation’s stated values, governance obligations, and duty of care to its staff by taking the following immediate actions:

Stand down the current CEO David Smith, and the associated Executive Team on an interim basis, in line with organisational policy and accepted best-practice governance standards amid the allegations of misconduct.

Establish a fully independent and confidential grievance process that allows 105 staff and thousands of volunteers to safely raise concerns without fear of retaliation, identification, or adverse consequences.

Disaster Relief Australia was founded on the engagement of ADF veterans and volunteers, drawing on their skills, service ethic, and commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis. As an organisation built on service, trust, and shared sacrifice, DRA carries a heightened responsibility to ensure that those who serve—many of whom bring prior operational and psychological experiences—are supported in a workplace that is safe, ethical, and respectful.

These actions are necessary in light of the formal investigation by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which has been publicly acknowledged by the responsible Minister. The existence of an externally recognised investigation heightens the need for strong governance, procedural fairness, and robust protections for staff who may hold relevant information or concerns.

Disaster Relief Australia operates in high-pressure, values-driven environments and relies on trust, integrity, and ethical leadership. When staff—particularly those working in isolated or remote roles—are unable to access safe and confidential reporting pathways, the risk of psychological harm increases, and the organisation’s mission is placed at risk.

Staff have reported feeling unable to raise grievances through existing internal mechanisms due to concerns about confidentiality, independence, and personal safety. Best-practice governance requires that employees—especially veterans and volunteers working in dispersed and challenging environments—have access to secure, independent, and confidential avenues to raise concerns, particularly during periods of external scrutiny.

Standing down the CEO during this period is not a presumption of wrongdoing. It is a prudent and widely accepted governance measure that:

• Protects staff wellbeing
• Preserves the integrity of any investigation or review
• Ensures independence and procedural fairness
• Demonstrates the Board’s commitment to transparency and accountability

We therefore call on the Board of Disaster Relief Australia to:

• Act consistently with its own policies and governance responsibilities
• Prioritise staff safety, wellbeing, and psychological health
• Establish an independent and fully confidential grievance mechanism
• Restore confidence in leadership and organisational governance during this critical period

Disaster Relief Australia exists to support communities in crisis. That mission must begin by ensuring its own people—particularly ADF veterans and volunteers—are heard, protected, and respected, especially during times of investigation and public accountability.

We urge the Board to act now.