Premier

Tripling The Target To Support Veterans At Work

20 March 2019

The Andrews Labor Government will help even more veterans find a career in Victoria’s public sector, having exceeded its target to assist ex-servicemen and women with life after leaving the Australian Defence Force.

Minister for Veterans Robin Scott today announced that the Labor Government has set a new target of 750 veterans to be employed in the Victorian public sector by June 2021 – a tripling of the original figure.

Since June 2017, the Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy has provided a pathway for ex-defence force personnel to enter civilian employment with already 277 veterans having found a job through the scheme.

Veterans have proven skills that are highly desirable in the public sector, particularly leadership, innovation, project management, problem solving and excellent communication.

Veterans also come from a values-driven environment and are an excellent organisational fit for the public sector.

The strategy helps veterans and employers understand how the skills and experience gained in the Australian Defence Force are relevant to roles across the Victorian public sector. This is complemented by the tireless efforts of Victoria’s Veteran Employment Advocate Major General David McLachlan.

The strategy has also been collecting data to identify areas where veterans and employers require additional resources, training or information to ensure they have the best chance of landing a job.

The Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy is a key component of the Labor Government's response to the Victorian Veterans Sector Study Report 2015.

The Labor Government has pledged $1.5 million to help expand the Centenary of Anzac Centre, which is an internationally renowned not-for-profit organisation that provides mental health services for current and former ADF staff and their families.

We’re also promising $1 million for Veterans in Construction to secure work for 100 veterans across our major projects and other private sector jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans Robin Scott

“Veterans are a highly skilled and diverse group and we can only benefit from their experience with them on board in the Victorian public sector.”

“We’re doing the hard yards to deliver better outcomes for veterans and we won’t waste a minute making Victoria an even better place for those who have served our nation.”

Quotes attributable to Veterans Employment Advocate Major General David McLachlan

“The success of the program reflects the qualities and skills veterans bring to the Victorian public sector – and we know these two are an excellent fit.”

“The increase in the target provides the opportunity for more veterans to translate their employment skills into the Victorian public sector, to mutual advantage.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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