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Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh announced that the federal government has renewed the Veteran Employment Commitment, encouraging workplaces to better support veterans.
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Signing the agreement signals an organisation’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for Australian veterans.
Businesses can sign up as a Veteran Employment Supporter, Veteran Friendly Employer or Veteran Employer of Choice.
Depending on the level, organisations then commit to a range of activities aimed at supporting veterans which can include providing unsuccessful veteran applicants with feedback, using veteran-friendly interview techniques or establishing a veteran referral network.
“Ultimately, this commitment seeks to assist veterans to better identify organisations that are appropriate for them, with businesses demonstrating their workplace policies and programs specifically targeted at helping veterans perform at their best,” a release from Minister Keogh read.
The federal government took the opportunity to confirm that nominations have opened for the 2024 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
The awards celebrate leading employers and employees, recognising those who help veterans thrive after service. The awards close 31 May.
The renewal of the Veteran Employment Commitment came following the announcement of new funding for The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL).
In March, the federal government awarded RSL LifeCare, working with RSL NSW, and RSL Queensland with two $5.445 million grants.
The funding will see RSL LifeCare and RSL NSW establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in NSW’s Tweed/North Coast region. The hub will service veterans both in NSW and over the border in South East Queensland.
RSL Queensland will also establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Ipswich in collaboration with Mates4Mates and GO2Health. The hub is expected to provide specialised services to the 10,000 veterans and their families that live in the region.
“Each veteran community around the country is different so it’s essential we’re developing hubs that provide targeted support, not taking a cookie-cutter approach,” Minister Keogh said.
“The consultation undertaken with the local community in the development of the business case gives me confidence they’ll be able to deliver a hub that fits the needs of the local community.”
