Employers today leave for East Timor, to work alongside their staff who are also Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists.

As part of Exercise Boss Lift, 23 employers of Reserves will be flown to East Timor, where they will see what their employees do when on Reserve service.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, said by visiting the troops, employers were showing support for their staff.

“This is a chance for Australian employers to see how Melbourne’s 4th Brigade is contributing to the peace and security of East Timor.”

Employers from Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police, Australia Post, Toll IPEC and Bunnings will be represented on the exercise.

Over a period of four days, the employers will see demonstrations of the ADF’s work and learn how it strategically supports both Australia and East Timor.

Employers will also experience some of the more diverse aspects of military life, such as eating from ration packs and visiting the firing range.

“Boss Lift is an opportunity for employers to see their staff use both their civilian and military skills while on an ADF Operation,” Senator Feeney said.

“Teamwork, leadership, and resilience are all attributes that are clearly needed for success on operations as well as in the workplace. While in East Timor, employers will see these skills demonstrated firsthand by their employee, as they serve their nation.”

Operation Astute is the ADF’s contribution to the International Stabilisation Force in support of the Government of East Timor.

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

 Media Contacts:          Jeffrey von Drehnen: 0477 348 476

                                                 Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999