BENEFITS OF EMPLOYING RESERVISTS HIGHLIGHTED ON BOSS LIFT TO SOLOMON ISLANDS

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP commended the involvement of twenty-two employers of Defence Reservists who recently travelled to the Solomon Islands on 2 July 2009 as part of Exercise Boss Lift — a Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves.

Participating employers visited soldiers from Melbourne-based 4th Brigade who are currently on a four-month deployment to the Solomon Islands.  4th Brigade is the face of the Army Reserve in Victoria, with over 2000 soldiers based in depots from Mildura to Sale and Echuca to Warnambool.

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

“The three-day program highlights the vital capability Reservists bring to the Australian Defence Force, in addition to highlighting the skills Reservists gain from being in the ADF and how those skills can benefit civilian employers,” said Dr Kelly.

“Reserves are bringing increased levels of capability to the Navy, Army and Air Force and this experience can flow directly to the civilian workplace.”

As well as providing much needed support during the devastating Victorian bush fires, 4^th Brigade has in recent years served across the globe, including the theatres of Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and Solomon Islands.

For details about the many employer programs coordinated by Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division (CRESD) visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves or call 1800 803 485.

Media contacts:

Deanna Nott                                                                07 3233 4337 or 0438 013 548

Elyse Gatt (Dr Mike Kelly):                                         02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246

Defence Media Liaison:                                              02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664