Recognising employers’ support of reservists

Businesses that go above and beyond to support employees who are members of the ADF Reserves will be acknowledged and recognised through an enhanced Supportive Employer Program.

CAPTION: Private Kate Markowska, left, from Rotation 138 Rifle Company Butterworth, speaks with her employer Neryl Joyce, Regional Security Manager, Wilson Security, during BossX International 2023, Malaysia. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

Businesses can now apply to be a bronze, silver or gold member of the program, with each tier recognising the level of advocacy a business offers to reservists working in their organisation.

Employers can gain entry to the program (bronze membership) by meeting their Reserve service protection obligations for a minimum of 12 months. Employers who offer enhanced support to reservists, and who recognise and use the skills, knowledge and expertise that reservists can bring to their organisation, can progress to the higher levels of silver and gold membership.

Depending on their level of commitment, members of the Supportive Employer Program have access to the following benefits:

• Public recognition of their support for ADF reservists.
• A listing on the Supportive Employer Program directory of supportive businesses.
• Direct access to the ADF Reserves and Employer Support team for advice, information and resources on how to employ and support a Reservist in their organisation.
• Access to high-level networking functions.
• Opportunity for future invitations to Employer Support Award nights and other Defence immersion activities.

Head of Joint Support Services Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw said the program now better recognises employers of ADF reservists.

“Defence values the civilian employers of the ADF Reserves and the outstanding support they provide, enabling reservists to excel in both their civilian and military careers,” Major General Laidlaw said.

“The Supportive Employer Program publicly recognises what these employers give to reservists working in their organisations and offers Defence the chance to formally say ‘thank you’.

“I encourage employers to apply and gain recognition for the work they do every day to assist the ADF Reserves workforce and in turn contribute to Defence capability.”

Information about eligibility and how to become a Supportive Employer can be found at Supportive Employer Program – ADF Reserves and Employer Support (reserveemployersupport.gov.au)

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