Record number of veterans strengthening public sector

MP Natalie Suleyman.

Veterans are making the Victorian public sector stronger, with support from the state government to bring their skills and experience to build a better Victoria.

Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman announced on March 24 that since the Public Sector Veteran Employment Strategy launched in 2017, 1159 former or current defence members have joined the public sector.

The number is a milestone for the strategy, which supports veterans to find work in Victorian departments and public agencies.

The strategy works through a number of initiatives which ensure veterans who join the public sector have access to quality advice and tailored opportunities to network and develop professionally.

Supports include the Veteran Mentor Program, which connects veterans already in the public sector with those interested in joining, and a Veteran Employee Network, which allows veterans working in the public sector to connect with each other, support new entrants, share insights and experiences.

Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman said the government is “proud” to have attracted “so many veterans” into the public sector.

“We want all veterans to know they can continue making an incredible contribution to their communities working in the Victorian public sector. We will continue to support veterans transition into employment across both the public and private sector,“ she said.

Veterans Employment Advocate Major General David McLachlan said “significant inroads” have been made in improving awareness of the important contribution veterans can make in civilian workplaces.

“We look forward to building on this work,” he said.