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The Hon. Danna Vale, MP
Helping Hand for Reservists and their Bosses
Help is on the way for Defence Force Reservists and their civilian employers and educators trying to balance Defence Force service with civilian obligations, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale MP, announced today.
"Reservists make a vital contribution to Australia�s defence capability, as evidenced by their involvement in East Timor and Bouganville, and to
the wider community, such as their involvement in the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games," Minister Vale said.
"The Federal Government acknowledges that this contribution would not be possible without the support of the community in general, and
employers and educators in particular.
"To maintain and further encourage this support, the Federal Government has established the Office of Reserve Service Protection, within the
Defence Department, to provide information and mediation services and investigate complaints from employers or employees regarding the
release of Reservists to attend military training.
"For example, a Reservist can appeal to the Office if they experience discrimination in the workplace or educational institution because of their
Defence Force obligations; or an employer can seek assistance in negotiating Defence Force leave with their employee�s Reservist unit.
"The Office can explain to employers or educational institutions the conditions under which they must grant leave for Defence service and help
them reduce the impact of that leave on their business."
Minister Vale said the Office was established as a result of legislation passed earlier this year regarding Reserve service.
The Defence Reserve Service Protection legislation protects Reservists against discrimination in their employment or education because of
their ADF service.
"This new initiative builds on other recent enhancements to Reserve service such as the Reserve Employer Support Payment Scheme," Minister
Vale said.
"Under the scheme, eligible employers are paid $809.70 a week for releasing their Reservist employees to attend military training.
"It is imperative that we ensure that those Australians who serve this nation as part of the Reserves, and the employers and educators who
support them, can do so safe in the knowledge that their interests are adequately protected."
The Office of Reserve Service Protection can be contacted on 1800 100 166 or by email: [email protected].
Media Contact: Rachael Thompson 02 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289
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Federal Government Supports Employers of Reservists
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale MP, today urged employers of Australian Defence Force Reservists to apply for assistance through the Federal Government�s Reserves Employer Support Payment scheme.
Under the scheme, employers of ADF Reservists and self-employed members can receive $809.70 a week in compensation for releasing employees to serve in the Reserve.
"The Federal Government recognises that balancing the needs of workplaces with employees� Reserve service obligations can be difficult for some businesses," Minister Vale said.
"Reservists make a vital contribution to Australia�s defence capability, and the Government appreciates the willingness of employers to accommodate their employees� Reserve obligations."
Almost $3 million has already been paid to employers of Defence Force Reserves since the scheme was launched in June.
"The Reserves Employer Support Payment scheme is good news for employers, good news for our community and good news for Australia�s Defence Force," Minister Vale said.
"Employers are compensated for releasing their employees, the rural economy benefits from the extra injection of money and the Defence Force
trains Reservists who are supported by their employer.
"Many seasonal workers, including sons and daughters of farmers, are members of the Reserves.
"Unfortunately, many local employers who have Reservist employees may not know they are eligible to receive these payments."
Minister Vale reminded employers they had six months from the time their employee begins each period of continuous defence service in which
to claim their payment.
Eligible employers include:
Employers can obtain further information by ringing 1800 803 485 or from www.defence.gov.au/reserves
Media Contact: Rachael Thompson 02 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289
To arrange interviews with local employers of Reservists who have received Employer Support Payments, please contact Carmel Anderson:
0414 594 844.
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Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence
06 Feb 2002
MIN 26/02
The Hon. Danna Vale, MP
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence
06 Feb 2002
MIN 27/02
Before an employer can claim ESP an employee must: complete a 14-day qualifying period. This period may be completed in blocks of no less than five days; and any periods being claimed must each be a minimum of five days service.
Captain Lionel Boxer CD
Army Reserve Recruiting Officer
Royal Australian Engineers
