As many communities are taking it into their own hands to rescue stranded residents in the current devastating floods, Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said civilians should be given training to provide emergency disaster support. “I met people in Queensland who jumped in their dinghy, were going around rescuing people off the top floor of Queenslanders around creeks and rivers,” Albanese told reporters on March 8. He said the dangers in the increased level of disease involved in post-flood clean-ups could pose issues if people are unaware and lack the education and expertise in safely carrying out tasks. “We know that Australians’ natural instinct is to help out,” Albanese said. “We know that people will provide assistance.” The establishment of a new unit within the Australian Defence Force that would be dedicated to disaster response was also “worthy of consideration,” according to Albanese “And historically they’ve done so and they’re …