Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Defence, to strengthen processes to manage their shared workforce.

The agreement pledges the Fair Work Ombudsman’s commitment to supporting Reservists and releasing them to undertake Defence service.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney said “The purpose of the MOU is to establish a co-operative, mutually supportive and beneficial approach to managing employees who are also members of the Australian Defence Force”.  

Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson and Major General Paul Brereton signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

“I believe that Mr Wilson’s actions will help Defence in its efforts to build stronger and more effective relationships with industry,” Major General Brereton said. 

Mr Wilson said the agreement recognised the significant security and emergency-relief role Reservists play and the importance of employers facilitating these responsibilities.

“By signing this Memorandum the Fair Work Ombudsman also seeks to encourage other employers to consider Reservists when they are hiring and to actively support them through their workplace policies and practices,” Mr Wilson said.

“Reservists make a valuable contribution to workplaces and often bring additional skills and maturity with them as a result of their diverse experiences.”

More than 950 employers across the country have pledged their support for the Australian Defence Force Reserves by entering into similar agreements. 

Media contacts:      

Senator Feeney’s Office: Jeffrey von Drehnen (02) 6277 3415 or 0477 348 476

Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division: Deanna Nott 0438 013 548