RSL secures $6m for national roll-out of veterans employment program

RSL QUEENSLAND and RSL National have jointly welcomed a $15 million investment in veteran employment announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester.

The RSL Employment Program is one of three programs to receive funding under the Department of Veterans Affairs’ new Enhanced Employment Support for Veterans (EESV) grant program.

The RSL Employment Program was granted $6 million in one-off EESV funding to extend its services nationally. The program was successfully developed and piloted by RSL Queensland in Townsville in 2017 and launched state-wide in 2018.

RSL National is working collaboratively with RSL Queensland and is well advanced in planning the national rollout, starting in South Australia.

RSL National President Greg Melick AO RFD FANZCN SC said the organisations were on track to quickly and effectively implement the program Australia-wide.

“I welcome Minister Chester and Prime Minister Morrison’s announcement today as recognition of the efficacy of RSL’s approach to veteran wellbeing and support,” Mr Melick said.

“RSL Queensland’s Employment Program was developed in response to the initial findings of the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation’s Military Reintegration Initiative, which aims to identify the factors influencing successful transition.

“The Employment Program was created to acknowledge and successfully overcome the unique challenges many veterans face when transitioning into a civilian workforce.”

RSL Queensland general manager for Veteran Services, Rob Skoda said the organisation was proud of the results its employment program had achieved in Queensland and was confident the model would enjoy continued success on a national scale.

“RSL Queensland exists to provide wellbeing and welfare support to ensure a bright future and enduring legacy for all veterans and their families,” Mr Skoda said.

“Part of this involves helping veterans find employment that gives them purpose, direction and a fulfilling postservice career.

“We’re very excited to be supporting the national rollout of the program.”

Mr Skoda said RSL Queensland Employment’s state-wide results since its launch in April 2018 included:

• 476 veterans and partners accepted into the program
• 251 roles secured
• 78 days spent in the program, on average.

Mr Melick also acknowledged ex-service organisations Soldier On and Team Rubicon who both received an EESV grant to implement their veteran employment initiatives.

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