Contemporary narratives of ADF families focus on the sacrifices families make, the support they provide ADF members, and the role that plays in defence capability. After decades of peace, followed by wars on foreign shores, the “homefront” has become narrowly defined as the homes of ADF families. However, during times of war and other national … More Partner employment and national security
This blog post forms part of a series in which I document the history of partner employment advocacy and support in Australia The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards formed part of the VEP and were launched in September 2017. The inaugural awards took place in March 2018. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, said that … More The VEP and partner employment (Part 2) – the awards
This blog post forms part of a series in which I document the history of partner employment advocacy and support in Australia “In 2017 the Prime Minister of Australia established the Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment which included the identification of ADF spouse employment as one of five priority areas” – Churchill Fellowship Report, … More The Veteran Employment Program (VEP) & partner employment (Part 1)
An interesting discussion took place this week. As I understood it correctly the point was made that retention of veteran and partner employees should not be a metric for being a supportive employer. Whilst I agree that it is certainly not the only metric, that it isn’t always possible to retain a partner, and that … More Retaining defence partner employees is important – the evidence says so
The Beginning In 1985, Sue Hamilton, an executive in the Office of the Status of Women, was tasked by the Defence Minister, the Hon Kim Beazley AC, to investigate the impact of service life on families, identify problems and deliver practical suggestions for solving them. The report, officially known as “Supporting Service Families” but more … More Department of Defence Support for partner employment: a history lesson
Last month I travelled to Washington DC to attend the 9th annual Military Spouse Employment Summit hosted by Hiring Our Heroes at the US Chamber of Commerce. It is always inspiring and invigorating to be surrounded by the Hiring Our Heroes team and their network of supportive employers. It makes me feel like things can … More Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Employment Summit
I’m following the discussions about veteran claim advocates with interest because it forms part of a much bigger discussion about veteran and family support in general – discussions which should be grounded in the availability, quality and effectiveness of services and the best interests of the veteran community. I work in a self-regulated sector (career … More Veteran and family support systems
Did you know there are approximately 40,000 women in Australian Defence Force and ADF Reserves families, and many more in veteran families?? Count them in this year, invest in programs that support them, and accelerate progress toward a future where defence and veteran families are thriving and the country benefits as a result. Research reveals … More International Women’s Day 2024
This quote appeared in my LinkedIn feed this morning and really hit me The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any Does this resonate with you as a defence or veteran family member? Large parts of our lives often seem so far out of our control – … More ‘The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any’
As far as I’m aware, there are no specific programs for the children of ADF members. And I think that should change. (see note 2) Research shows that effective career development begins in primary school and should be available to people throughout their lives. Career development is essential for people to make good choices about … More Career support for young people in ADF families
