Messages of Support

As Minister for Veterans, I am proud to represent the veteran community of New South Wales. Veterans have a valuable skillset honed from their ADF service, which can be transferred to civilian life post service. VEP has been invaluable in assisting veterans in their transition.

The VEP team has also been doing excellent work with local governments across NSW. Their tireless work has seen 13 local councils pledge their support to veteran employment, and I hope that more councils come on board in the future.

VEP has continued to be a national leader in veterans’ employment and continues to exceed their targets.

I look forward to supporting the VEP team as they continue their great work

In my role as Commander Australian Fleet and previously as the Deputy Chief of Navy, I am acutely aware of the capability of our ADF personnel and the outstanding contribution they can continue to make once having separated from defence. I acknowledge this transition is often challenging, and initiatives such as the NSW Government’s Veterans Employment Program assist in the individual’s separation process as well as benefiting the NSW Public Sector by aligning highly skilled and experienced individuals with these roles.

The VEP has established itself as a highly successful and effective program, achieving in excess of its goals and is continuing to gather momentum. The reality is that all defence personnel will at some point separate from the ADF and for those transitioning to civilian employment; programs such as this ensure our personnel continue to be supported into their new ventures. Thank you for your support to veterans across the ADF and ensuring them the best possible futures.       

In my former capacity as Commander Forces Command, based in Sydney, I can personally vouch for the outstanding skills, experience and professionalism that you will find from our Australian Defence Force personnel, as a direct result of their service to our nation. In transitioning out of Defence, I encourage you to meet with our people, where you will be able to see what they offer to prospective employers.

Can I acknowledge this great initiative - the NSW Government's Veterans Employment Program continues to function as an important link between our veterans and connecting employers with wonderful team players. You have assisted many ADF veterans as they’ve transitioned into their next career, and in many cases afford them the opportunity to still serve in a part-time capacity as well. It is a win-win. On behalf of Forces Command, congratulations on your achievements. I commend the program and your outstanding results, and thank you for supporting our veterans.

As Air Commander Australia, and former Deputy Chief of Air Force, I can personally attest to the breadth of skills, diversity of knowledge and depth of experience of Defence personnel. Our people are highly trained, motivated, and innovative - an asset to any workplace. Yet transitioning to civilian employment can be challenging and confronting.

I highly commend the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program for its efforts in smoothing the transition to civilian employment for veterans, and warmly congratulate their recent success with 265 veterans accepting roles in the NSW Public Sector earlier this year. This is well on track for the admirable goal of hiring 2,000 veterans by 2026. Our veterans have made a most significant contribution to the nation and their impressive skills can offer a great deal to any organisation. I thank you for supporting them.