6 years ago
REAL RESOURCES ARE NEEDED
AMANDA RISHWORTH MP
Veterans unemployment is a serious issue which requires concentrated effort and investment.
While Labor welcomes the re-announcement by the Prime Minister today of a website to facilitate a commitment from businesses this re-announcement fails to provide real resources to address this issue.
Addressing the unacceptably high unemployment rate for those who have left the ADF requires more effort than a website and a pledge.
Veterans are highly skilled individuals who would make a valuable addition to any workplace.
But with unemployment rates of up to 30% five years after discharge, it is clear that there is not enough support during transition and beyond to ensure that veterans are best placed to move into meaningful careers.
It is for this reason that Labor has committed to a comprehensive $121 million veterans employment program.
Labor’s veterans’ employment policy has four main elements which are designed to assist veterans into meaningful employment post their time in the ADF.
- Helping businesses to train veterans
By providing grants of up to $5,000 per veteran for job specific training and conducting a national education campaign on benefits of hiring a veteran
- A new veterans’ employment service
The service will provide comprehensive, wrap around support for up to five years
- Expanded access to additional education and civilian training
- By altering the eligibility requirements and funding amounts available through the Career Training Assistance Scheme funding
- Translating the experience of veterans
Will work with States and Territories, Universities and industry bodies for greater automatic recognition of skills
Our comprehensive employment policy will best prepare those leaving the ADF to move into meaningful employment and enable businesses to take advantage of the many skills of an ex-ADF member.
Whilst business has an important role to play in meeting the community’s collective obligation to ensure a successful transition out of the ADF, government can and should be doing more.
Veterans deserve a genuine commitment with real financial investment from the Government to addressing this issue.
Having served our country, our ex-service personnel and their families deserve our support now and into the future.