Building a legacy of support for veterans

Veterans leaving the Australian Defence Force will be able to access TAFE courses at no cost to assist in their transition to civilian life.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott announced the initiative today, along with an extension of the NSW Government’s Veterans Employment Program, which helps veterans find work within the public service.

“As the Centenary of Anzac draws to a close it is fitting for us to leave a lasting legacy that empowers our contemporary veterans as they move into civilian employment,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“These measures are also a fitting legacy following Sydney hosting the Invictus Games. We were very proud of all the veterans who competed in the Games and we want to continue to recognise and support all veterans in NSW.”

Under the TAFE announcement, ex-servicemen and servicewomen will be able to access 1400 TAFE NSW Smart and Skilled List courses. The courses will be available at no cost to eligible veterans who have completed up to eight years of service and discharged within the last five years.

The NSW Government’s successful Veterans Employment Program is being extended for another four years, with a new target of helping an additional 1000 veterans to find work by 2023.

Since launching, 824 veterans have either found work or been offered a new role in the public service – far exceeding the Government’s target.

The Veterans Employment Program enables veterans to identify public service positions that may be suitable via a Rank-Grade Matching tool, and helps to educate workplace managers on the skills veterans can offer.

“Our servicemen and servicewomen put up their hand to protect us, so it is important that we continue to support them when they discharge," Mr Elliott said.