SENATOR THE HON
LINDA REYNOLDS CSC

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY; MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND NORTH QUEENSLAND RECOVERY

All companies seek employees with a strong work ethic, professionalism, loyalty, effective communication, problem-solving skills and leadership. Today’s Veterans are the epitome of what employers require.

The big myth is that Veterans are older men with war wounds. Today’s Veterans are often in their 20’s and 30’s and are ready, willing and able to bring their skills and knowledge to new endeavours.

Female Veterans have much to offer to Australian employers. They are highly qualified and experienced and
ready to make significant contributions in the private sector.
Despite their abilities, many ex-defence personnel have difficulty
gaining employment post-service and this can be particularly challenging for women. This is largely due to employers not understanding the unique skill sets ex-service personnel have and can offer them.

The skills, knowledge and experiences I gained through my military service has been readily transferable in my civilian career and now as a Senator and Minister. It is no secret that we need to do more to ensure the well-being of our service personnel when they transition into civilian life. This is why as Chair of the Parliament’s Defence Sub-Committee I initiated a
Parliamentary inquiry into Transition from the Australian Defence Force
(ADF), which will also examine for the first time the extent of the difference between the experiences of transitioning women and men.

As patron of the Women Veteran Employment Network (WOVEN), I
commend the work that this excellent organisation intends to do to assist
female Veterans transitioning into employment. Congratulations to Founder Karyn Hinder and her team on establishing this wonderful initiative.

I urge all employers to take a look at what today’s veterans have to offer your business – I guarantee you will be impressed.