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

Having joined the Royal Australian Navy as a sailor, in 1986, I have observed a number of friends transition from service life, over the past thirty five years. Some have found it easy, while others have faced some challenges. When I started in my role as the Commander Australian Fleet, I was introduced to the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program (VEP). I would like to commend them for supporting all service personnel looking to find roles in the NSW public sector. It is a remarkable achievement that the NSW Veteran’s employment program have helped employ 951 veterans in the past two years against the NSW Government target of finding 1000 veterans new roles by 2023.

The VEP website has some amazing tools to support service personnel with their transition and highlights opportunities within the NSW public sector. The VEP Rank Grade Guide is a very user-friendly tool that helps veterans navigate their way through NSW public sector roles. Their workshop continues to guide veterans preparing applications against the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework.

In Navy terms Bravo Zulu (well done) VEP, keep up the great work.

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 former 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.