Prime Minister's National Veteran Employment Awards

OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA

Good evening,

I acknowledge that today we gather on the lands of the traditional custodians, the Ngunnawal and recognise any other people or families with connections to the lands of the ACT and surrounding regions. I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

I would like to extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who join us today.

I’d also like to acknowledge all who have served in our nation's uniform, and their families.

Tonight is a celebration of the contribution the veteran community makes to civilian workplaces around the nation, it’s also a night to recognise the organisations who have tapped into the talent pool that the veteran community offers and the workplaces subsequently reaping the benefits.

All of us here tonight know the value of hiring a veteran and the skills and attributes they bring as a result of serving in the Australian Defence Force.

They bring leadership, teamwork, agility and the ability to work under pressure, all skills that are transferable and in demand by employers across the nation.

But in the wider Australian community, the benefits are not so widely known.

That’s why through the course of this year, we’ve rolled out an advertising campaign as part of our Veteran Employment Program, to make sure veterans’ skills and experiences are understood and valued by the wider community.

Roll Tape!

It’s not just about the ad campaign – it’s the resources that have been developed to help businesses support and employ veterans too.

These are located on the veteransemployment.gov.au website.

The Program as a whole has been working to encourage employers to recruit and retain veterans, build more inclusive work environments, and provide targeted supports for the veteran community.

This includes recognition of prior learning and experience gained in by universities and vocational training providers.

Part of this Program is the Veteran Employment Commitment — a multi-level model to support employers of all sizes to recruit and retain ex-service people.

The VEC now features three levels of recognition –  depending on the veteran employment activities your organisation has in place, you could be recognised as a:

• Veteran Employment Supporter
• Veteran Friendly Employer
• Veteran Employer of Choice

For those of you familiar with the old Veteran Employment Commitment, you’ll recognise those new levels indicate a changeup of the program, so please, if you’ve been part of this historically, check out the website as you may need to reapply.

The Veteran Employment Program is just one of the ways we’re working to support ex-service personnel after their transition from the ADF.

Because transition is not a single point in time, rather, it is a process, a sometimes life upheaving, game changing, process.

For whatever reason someone leaves the ADF, we want to be sure they’re going to be walking into good, fulfilling, well-paying jobs.

You’ll all be aware of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide that’s been ongoing for the last few years.

The Royal Commission handed down their final report in September and since then we’ve been working to respond as quickly as possible.

It was comprehensive – 122 recommendations, 7 volumes…. 12 kilos…..

But there were some recurring themes – a key focus of the final report was making sure we improve transition for our veterans.

That’s a key objective of this program – as we support veterans into civilian careers.

And that’s where you all come in.

By getting involved in things like the Veteran Employment Commitment, in a practical sense, you can signpost to veterans that your workplace cares about them.

That your workplace will have their backs – just as their mates in the ADF would have.

Congratulations to all tonight’s nominees, finalists and winners.

To the veterans in the room, you’ve heard it all before – but I’ll still say it – thank you.

You have made significant sacrifices in Australia’s name. As have the families who have supported you.

Thank you for your service and the continuing contribution you are making to our nation in your post military careers.

To those organisations that are leaders in actively recruiting, employing and supporting veterans and veteran partners, thank you for creating supportive and inclusive workplaces.

Thank you and enjoy the evening.

END

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608