Supportive employers honoured

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan has praised the employers who support their Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservist employees to serve in defence of the nation at an awards ceremony in Canberra tonight.

The annual Defence Reserves Support Council National Employer Support Awards recognise the essential support of employers of ADF Reservist employees.

Winners of the Award categories were:

• Small Business: Hackham Medical Centre (South Australia)
• Medium Business: Executive Risk Solutions (Western Australia)
• Large Business: Commonwealth Bank
• Public Sector: City of Ballarat (Victoria)
• Not-For-Profit: Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (Northern Territory)

Mr Tehan congratulated the award winners and thanked all employers who supported their Defence Reservist employees.

“Our Defence Force Reservists make important contributions to our national security and they can only do so with the support of an understanding employer that provides flexible working arrangements and policies,” Mr Tehan said.

“Reservists are highly disciplined team players with a can-do work ethic and the confidence to accept responsibilities. The experience and expertise they gain from their Defence service also helps in their civilian jobs.

“The Government last year launched the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program to improve the post-military employment opportunities of our ADF personnel and raise awareness and understanding in the private sector of the unique skills and experience ADF personnel can bring to the workplace.

“The winners and nominees at tonight’s awards are wonderful examples of businesses succeeding by employing people with unique skills and talents developed by our defence forces.

“Employing a Reservist makes good business sense. As well as the personal attributes Reservists bring to a workplace, there are a range of incentives on offer for support to employers.”

For more information visit www.defencereservessupport.gov.au.