VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

NOMINATIONS for the Veterans’ Employment Awards, established under the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program, opened today.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester believes that the 2019 awards will be an important opportunity to showcase the outstanding contribution of organisations and individuals to veterans’ employment.

“Following the success of the 2018 Awards, we are excited to hear from organisations of all sizes, across all industries and acknowledge the important work they are doing to hire and support veterans in the civilian workplace,” Mr Chester said.

“Hiring a veteran is good for business, they get extra value from veterans because they benefit from transferable skills and traits of leadership, loyalty and teamwork.

“We are focused on promoting the skills and experience of our veterans to the broader business community, we want to see those who have served our nation transition into meaningful careers for which they are well qualified,” Mr Chester said.

The inaugural 2018 awards had more than 90 entries across nine categories with great stories of the successful hiring and support for employing veterans.

Chief Executive of Westpac’s Consumer Bank and Chair of the Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment Mr George Frazis believes this year’s awards will show an even broader range of entries as organisations across the country have become increasingly aware of the valuable skills and experience of veterans.

“This year we have changed the categories to ensure we hear great stories from small, medium and large businesses,” Mr Frazis said.

“We have also introduced an entrepreneurial award to recognise the work of veterans who are driving exciting new business ventures.”

Winner of the 2018 Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Veterans’ Employment, Glen Ferrarotto of Ironside Recruitment believes the awards have opened up many conversations with organisations who may not have previously been aware of the depth of skills and experience that Australian veterans possess.

“Winning this award has enabled me to continue leading the conversations and get organisations to shift towards 'strategy not charity' associated with veteran employment,” Mr Ferrarotto said.

“The Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Awards initiative is enabling change in all the right directions.''

Details of the awards entry and criteria can be found at www.veteransemployment.gov.au. Businesses wishing to receive information about upcoming events should register their interest at VETERANSEMPLOYMENT@dva.gov.au.