New data shows 56 per cent of former service members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) aged between 15 to 64 were more likely to be doing full time work than people who had never served.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2021 census data shows former service members were more likely to work long hours.
“In the week before the 2021 Census, former service members (15.2 per cent) were almost twice as likely to report working 50 or more hours compared to those who had never served (8.9 per cent),” an ABS statement said.
“Females aged 15 to 64 who had served, reported higher median weekly hours worked in the week prior to Census night (38 hours) than females who had never served (32 hours).”
Census general manager Duncan Young said the 2021 survey was the first Census to ask questions about service in the ADF.
“Serving in the ADF provides a unique variety of opportunities and experiences, and can have a significant impact on a person’s life after their service period,” Mr Young said.
“The latest release of Census data allows the ABS to analyse information on work and education for current and former service members of the ADF.
“Police Officer was the most common occupation for male former service members aged between 25-44 (2,600 people) and the second most common occupation for female former service members aged between 25-44 (317 people).
“The data also showed higher levels of volunteering for former service members aged 25-44 when compared to people who have never served in the ADF”.
The ABS said former service members aged 25 to 64 were more likely to work in areas that “contribute services to the public, with 17.8 per cent working in the Public Administration and Safety industry, compared to only 6.0 per cent of those who never served”.
“This data helps us better address the needs of Australia’s veterans by providing key information about their work and education, supporting service delivery by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Defence and community groups,” Mr Young said.
