The federal government's Green Army of young jobseekers enlisted to restore the environment has suffered mass casualties, including chafing "injuries", chemical exposure and 900 recruits who were discharged or abandoned their posts.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott's pet policy began in mid-2014, but has been criticised for diverting funds away from other conservation projects, excluding workers from federal workplace protections and paying participants a low allowance.

The government says it gives young jobseekers new skills and better job prospects while helping the environment.