Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says a program to recruit more veterans is going from strength to strength.
The Premier set an initial target to find jobs for 100 former members of the Australian Defence Forces. In 11 months, the number recruited has reached 202.
They’re now working in 23 public sector agencies.
“Around 1,600 Queenslanders leave the Australian Defence Force each year and are looking for jobs,” the Premier said.
“These are people who have served their country who now serve their state and I could not be more proud of them.
“The veterans career pathways program we put in place is exceeding all expectations – and has been extremely successful in helping our ex-service women and men transition into a new career.
“We know that veterans have highly sought-after skills and importantly they have proven their commitment to public service and making a difference to the lives of others.
“This makes them a perfect fit for the Queensland public service.”
Not surprisingly a significant number of new jobs have been taken up by veterans in Queensland Health and Queensland Police Service, which many would consider a natural fit.
Veterans have also been employed across a variety of other Queensland Government agencies –including the Department of Education as teachers, Department of Housing and Public Works as carpenters and electrical apprentices, and the Department of Main Roads as engineers, transport inspectors and project managers.
“Veterans have such a diverse range of skills and experience it makes them ideal candidates across many job types”, the Premier said.
Many have found work in either Brisbane or Townsville, but also Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns, Wide Bay and Toowoomba.
“The message is clear, the Palaszczuk Government is committed to veterans’ employment and we will continue working with veteran organisations to support career transition for our ex-service woman and men”.
