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The Victorian government will help more veterans find a career in the state’s public sector, having exceeded its target to assist ex-service men and women with life after the ADF.
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Since June 2017, the Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy has provided a pathway for ex-Defence Force personnel to enter civilian employment, with 277 veterans having already found a job through the scheme.
Veterans have proven skills that are highly desirable in the public sector, particularly leadership, innovation, project management, problem solving and excellent communication.
Minister for Veterans Robin Scott today announced that the Victorian government has set a new target of 750 veterans to be employed in the Victorian public sector by June 2021 – a tripling of the original figure.
"Veterans are a highly skilled and diverse group and we can only benefit from their experience with them on board in the Victorian public sector," Minister Scott said.
Veterans also come from a values-driven environment and are an excellent organisational fit for the public sector. The strategy helps veterans and employers understand how the skills and experience gained in the Australian Defence Force are relevant to roles across the Victorian public sector. This is complemented by the efforts of Victoria’s veteran employment advocate Major General (Ret'd) David McLachlan.
"The increase in the target provides the opportunity for more veterans to translate their employment skills into the Victorian public sector, to mutual advantage," McLachlan explained.
The strategy has also been collecting data to identify areas where veterans and employers require additional resources, training or information to ensure they have the best chance of landing a job.
The Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy is a key component of the Labor government's response to the Victorian Veterans Sector Study Report 2015.
"We’re doing the hard yards to deliver better outcomes for veterans and we won’t waste a minute making Victoria an even better place for those who have served our nation," Minister Scott said.
McLachlan added, "The increase in the target provides the opportunity for more veterans to translate their employment skills into the Victorian public sector, to mutual advantage."
The Victorian government has pledged $1.5 million to help expand the Centenary of Anzac Centre, which is an internationally renowned not-for-profit organisation that provides mental health services for current and former ADF staff and their families.
As part of this, the Victorian government is also promising $1 million for Veterans in Construction to secure work for 100 veterans across major projects and other private sector jobs.
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.
