The Prime Minister's Veterans' Employment Program

The Prime Minister's Veterans' Employment Program demonstrates the importance the Government places on raising awareness with employers, both private and public sector, of the value and unique experience of our veterans.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) invests heavily in its servicemen and women, and they have a broad range of skills and experience. Their skill-sets, including proven leadership and problem solving skills, are in strong demand and transfer readily to civilian employment.

Australian businesses of all sizes, and across all industries, have an opportunity to employ these skilled and capable individuals when they separate from the ADF. By making businesses more aware of the value that veterans can bring to their organisations, employment opportunities for veterans will increase.

On 17 November 2016 the Prime Minister announced six initiatives under the Program.

Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment

An Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment has been established to develop and provide advice on practical measures to embed veterans’ employment strategies into the recruitment practices of Australian businesses. The Committee will play a role in the broader promotion of the skills and professional attributes that veterans have to offer Australian businesses.

The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Annual Awards

The Annual Awards will recognise achievements in the creation of employment opportunities for veterans.

Ex-service Organisation Industry Partnership Register

Ex-service organisations will be able to register their interest in partnering with industry on projects to promote the employment of veterans. Industry will be able to access this information when they are seeking a partner to assist in the creation of employment opportunities for veterans, including in regional and remote areas of the country.

Ex-service organisations can register their interest by emailing ESOindustryregister@dva.gov.au

Department of Defence and Department of Veterans’ Affairs initiatives

The Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs continue to improve the transition process for separating members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Separating members of the ADF receive separation documentation, including training records. They also receive an individual transition plan and tailored transition coaching services. Surveys of former ADF personnel post-separation have been reinstated to assess the effectiveness of ADF transition programs and inform future initiatives, and work will continue on aligning military qualifications with civilian qualifications.

Australian Public Service (APS) initiatives

The APSjobs website includes specific information for veterans seeking employment in the APS. An application that aligns ADF ranks to APS classifications and a toolkit that provides information to veterans about working in the APS are also available.

Department of Jobs and Small Business initiatives

The Australian Government’s jobactive website now includes an information page for veterans and an optional ‘defence force experience desirable’ flag that can be used by employers to advertise job vacancies on the website. This enables veterans seeking a job to search for the most suitable vacancies and allows them to apply directly to the employer.

The Department of Jobs and Small Business will also develop a stronger partnership with the Department of Defence to enhance the Career Transition Assistance Scheme for separating ADF members, including the provision of employment planning advice and labour market information.

Nominations are now open for the 2019 Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Awards

Nominate an organisation that employs and supports veterans and spouses of serving Australian Defence Force members, a veteran that’s making a significant contribution to their workplace or a veteran entrepreneur. Nominations are open until 5:00 pm Thursday 29 November 2018.

Find out more

Veterans who work at Secure Windows taking notes during a meeting

Interested in starting your own business?

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business following your transition to civilian life, there is support and assistance to help you turn your dream into reality. The Government’s New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) New Business Assistance program offers a range of assistance, including accredited small business training and business mentoring.