Defence industry panel discusses veteran and families employment

Last month, previous winners of a Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Award, BAE Systems Australia, held a panel discussion on veteran, partner and families employment in the Defence industry. Veteran Family Advocate, Commissioner Gwen Cherne was a panellist.

Providing meaningful employment opportunities for veterans and families is a high priority for the Australian Government. It’s invested $24 million into the Veteran Employment Program from January 2023 up to June 2026, to support and reinvigorate the employment landscape for veterans, their partners and families.

A key component of recognising those excelling as both employers of veterans and veteran employees is the annual Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards. Hosted annually, the Awards showcase the amazing work of entrepreneurs and employers of all sizes.

Panel host BAE Systems won the 2021 Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Award, Veterans’ Employer of the Year – Large. Their workforce includes more than 500 veterans.

The panel discussion about veteran, partner and families employment was chaired by head of BAE Systems Australia’s Global Access Program and Chair of their Veteran Advisory Committee, Jeremy Satchell. Along with Commissioner Cherne, he was joined by other Defence industry experts to discuss the value of meaningful employment for veterans and families.

Reflecting on the panel discussion and outcomes for veteran employment, Commissioner Cherne thanked BAE Systems for the ongoing work and commitment they’ve shown towards veteran family employment.

'It was so good to talk about veteran family employment and pathways for careers with so many people dedicated to getting it right for veterans and veteran families in Defence industry and technology,' Ms Cherne said.

It’s important to keep the conversation going about supporting and recognising those who are doing great things for veteran and family employment.

You can nominate an employer or employee for the 2023 Awards up until 11:59pm AEST 12 May 2023. Winners are expected to be announced in September 2023.

For more information on veteran employment, the Awards and how to nominate, visit the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Program website (www.veteransemployment.gov.au).