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Government and industry are collaborating to help thousands of ex-service men and women across Australia, who are set to benefit from a new initiative to connect them with employment opportunities.
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Building on the success of the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program, a new Veterans Employment Commitment will be rolled out to businesses that want to benefit from the skills and experience of Australia’s veterans.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the announcement, saying, "Employers across the country are hunting for the sorts of skills and experience our service men and women gain through their service."
The Veterans Employment Commitment will clearly identify businesses that provide career opportunities to veterans, that upskill and mentor them and that are focused on how to retain them.
Businesses that sign the commitment will be listed on the official veteransemployment.gov.au website, have their details shared with veterans looking for work and through networking events, as well as be able to use the commitment logo to advertise their support.
"We want to translate Australia’s culture of respect for veterans into action. By connecting veterans to employers through this initiative we can make the transition that bit easier," the Prime Minister said.
Prime defence contractor Boeing Defence Australia has signed on as an early industry leader supporting the Veterans Employment Commitment.
Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director Darren Edwards joined Prime Minister Morrison and the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Darren Chester, at Friday's signing event.
"Boeing is passionate about supporting our ex-service women and men as they transition into the civilian workforce. Today we underscore that commitment and send a strong signal to veterans across the country that the skills they’ve gained in service are highly-prized at Boeing," Edwards explained.
Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson joined Boeing Defence Australia following his career with the Australian Army and has played a lead role in shaping the company’s Veterans’ Strategy.
"Boeing’s support for veterans continues beyond the employment contract to create a workplace that celebrates their service and helps them to develop their skills. We also provide important support to veterans and their families through organisations like Open Arms, Legacy and Soldier On," Donaldson said.
The Boeing Company employs approximately 20,000 veterans globally – representing more than 15 per cent of the company’s total workforce. In Australia, veterans make up more than 20 per cent of the 2,000-plus employees at its two defence subsidiaries: Boeing Defence Australia and Insitu Pacific.
Boeing’s signing of the Veterans Employment Commitment builds on the company’s position as the Prime Minister’s 2018 Large Business Veterans Employer of the Year. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will ensure businesses meet their obligations set out in the commitment and businesses will be asked to recommit every two years.
The Veterans Employment Commitment forms part of the government’s suite of measures to recognise and respect veterans as Australia marks the conclusion of the Centenary of Anzac.
More information on the Veterans Employment Commitment is available here.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
