TRIP TO MALAYSIA SHOWS EMPLOYERS THE BENEFITS OF RESERVE SERVICE

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, congratulated twenty-one employers of Defence Reservists who will travel to Malaysia today (8 September) as part of Exercise Boss Lift — a Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves.

The employers will visit soldiers from Perth-based 13 Brigade who are currently on a three month deployment.

The part-time soldiers have temporarily become members of Rifle Company Butterworth, a regular rotation of Australian military personnel which supports the Australian presence at Butterworth Air Base and conducts regular exercises with the Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand Defence Forces.

The Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division (CRESD), responsible for employer support for Australia's Defence Reservists, has ensured the three-day Boss Lift activity will highlight the important role the Reserves play in the Australian Defence Force.

Employers will have the chance to meet with their Reserve employees and see them in action. 

”The employers will gain a valuable insight into the benefits their employees can bring back to the civilian workplace by being able to observe those skills that Reserve service has developed,” Dr Kelly said.

“As the ADF's commitments grow, Reserves are bringing increased levels of capability to Australia’s Defence Force. We aim to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the ADF and how those skills can benefit civilian employers.”

For details about the many programs run by CRESD visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves or call 1800 803 485.

Please note Defence Media has a new phone number: 02 6127 1999.

The existing number will be automatically diverted to the new number for three months.  The existing after-hours duty mobile 0408 498 664 will remain.

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):             02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664