Employers encouraged to support their Reservist staff

Employers across the nation are being asked to develop Defence Reserve Leave Policies and become“Supportive Employers” as part of a new campaign launched this week.

Head of Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Major General Paul Brereton, said he hoped that small, medium and large employers from both the private and public sector would develop leave policies to support Navy, Army and Air Force Reservists within their organisations.

He also pointed out that employers did not need to have Reservists on staff to have the policies in place or sign up as a “Supportive Employer”.

“This month we have started a new campaign designed to encourage all employers to call our Defence Reserves Support help line or visit our website for more information on leave policies and our Supportive Employers Program,” Major General Brereton said.

“The campaign includes advertisements that feature some ofAustralia’s leading chief executive officers and managing directors. The advertisements will be seen in publications, online and also in the air aboard Qantas aircraft.

“We appreciate the support of those employers who have made testimonials in support of Reservists and hope that other employers will take their lead and sign up to the program. This can be done very easily via our Defence Reserves Support website.

“Defence recognises the critical role Reservists play as part of the Australian Defence Force.

“They are an essential element of Defence capability and the support of civilian employers is vital.”

For further information about the campaign, please call 1800 803 485 or visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves

Media note:

Senior CRESD personnel are available for interviews on 11 February 2011 in Canberra.

Please contact CRESD Director of Communication Deanna Nott 0438 013 548 for further information.