Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today said more than 1,000 jobs flagged as suitable for veterans had been advertised on the Government’s jobactive website as part of the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program.
The Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment, which comprises business leaders from the private sector, met in Canberra this week to review progress on a number of initiatives that will improve the employment pathways of former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel within the private sector.
Mr Tehan said in this year’s Budget the Government provided $2.7 million to support the Advisory Committee’s work, establish the Ex-service Organisation Industry Partnership Register and manage the Prime Minister’s Annual Awards.
Mr Tehan praised the positive response since the Government had added a ‘Defence Force Experience Desirable’ category to its jobactive website, jobactive.gov.au.
“More than 1,000 jobs have already been advertised on the jobactive website as suitable for a former member of the ADF,” Mr Tehan said.
“The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program is already delivering improvements to the employment prospects of our former ADF personnel.
“It is also raising awareness about the unique skills and talents our veterans learn in the military and can bring to a career in the private sector.
“This program is about improving the transition from the ADF into post-service employment and highlighting the opportunities for business when they employ a veteran.
“The Industry Advisory Committee is developing policies and practices that could be implemented by businesses keen to attract these valuable employees. It is also developing strategies to support veterans as they adjust to a working life outside of the military.
“More than 60 businesses from across Australia have already expressed an interest in working with the Advisory Committee. I encourage people to consider how the unique skills and talents of our veterans could help their business and to register their interest in the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program.”
Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment chair George Frazis said the committee was working to ensure veterans got the support they deserve when looking for a job.
“Improving the opportunities available to today’s veterans to secure appropriate employment is just part of the great debt we all owe to our servicemen and women,” Mr Frazis said.
“More and more employers are recognising the valuable skills veterans can bring to their businesses, and the Committee is working to ensure that all businesses are aware of the wide range of skills and capabilities that veterans gain during their service.”
Businesses can register their interest in the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program by emailing veteransemployment@dva.gov.au.
