The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today thanked 22 employers for supporting soldier employees on deployment in the Solomon Islands.

The employers travelled to the Solomon Islands as part of Exercise Boss Lift, a Defence initiative which takes employers on “operations” with their Reservist employee.

The Boss Lift to the Solomon Islands started on Monday 7th November 2011 and will finish today.

While in Honiara, employers had the opportunity to see their Reservists on Operation Anode, the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) contribution to the Australian led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

“ADF Reservists have a unique combination of civilian and military skills.

“This means that a Reserve Force can perform a range of important national security tasks.

“In the Solomon Islands, our ADF soldiers secure the peace. They also engage with local communities to build critical skills and infrastructure,” Senator Feeney said.

“The positive difference that Reservists make in the Solomon Islands, is made possible through the support of their Employers and the broader Australian community.

“This Boss lift has given the employers of Reservists from 5th Brigade a chance to see how the experience gained by Reservists on operations builds confidence, problem-solving skills and leadership skills. All skills which are highly valued in the workplace,” Senator Feeney said.

“I would like to thank the employers who participated in this Boss Lift for supporting Reservists and the work that they do for Australia,” Senator Feeney said.

The Solomon Islands Boss Lift allowed employers to experience first hand the essential roles played by their Reserve employees in a multi-national assistance mission.

Most of the soldiers are currently deployed for four months in the Solomon Islands and are from the Sydney based 5th Brigade.

Employers include:

• Victoria Police

• NSW Police

• Ambulance Service NSW

• Fire & Rescue NSW

• Ernst and Young

• Booz & Company (Aust) Pty Ltd

For more information about the support offered to Reservists and their employers visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves or call 1800 803 485.

For imagery of the visit please contact: Lorna Clarke – 0408 345 730

Media Contact: Lorna Clarke – 0408 345 730