State should bolster veteran support: Dametto

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has called on the State Government to step up their efforts in finding jobs for Queensland’s veteran community, in a bid to better support those who have served our country.

In a Question Without Notice in parliament on Tuesday, Mr Dametto asked Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about bolstering the government’s Veterans’ employment pathway program so veterans in regional areas could take more advantage of it.

The 12 month pilot program, which was launched in July this year, only aims to identify 100 suitable sector-wide employment opportunities for veterans across Queensland by working with agencies to increase understanding of Australian Defence Force (ADF) ranks, transferable skills and how experiences gained in the ADF can translate to sector roles.

Mr Dametto said that program should be more ambitious, given that approximately 5000 personnel leave the ADF every year with 1600 of these residing in Queensland.

“I firmly believe the men and women who have served in our armed forces deserve every ounce of support that the government can muster,” he said.

“It should never be forgotten that these people were prepared to lay their lives on the line for Australia. The transition back into civilian life can be difficult and I think the least we can do is help find our veterans meaningful employment so they get on with living their lives to the fullest.

“The public sector is the perfect way for veterans to not only reintegrate with society but serve our community.”

Mr Dametto commended the government on its commitment to a $1.5 million grants program for support services and the creation, upkeep and maintenance of veterans’ memorials, the creation of an online veterans’ portal for ex-ADF members and their families in accessing services and support in Queensland and the opening of The Oasis Townsville, a one-stop shop to provide veterans’ welfare support and employment transition services.

“These are encouraging steps by the government and I want them to continue this momentum,” Mr Dametto said.

“Katter’s Australian Party remains ready and willing to engage with veterans groups and lobby on their behalf for better services, support and employment opportunities through the State Government.”

Mr Dametto said veterans had a wealth of transferrable skills which could be utilised by the public sector, whether that be in government departments or frontline roles with emergency services.

“Veterans are used to operating under a clear chain of command, are self-reliant and pride themselves on efficiency,” he said.

“Most importantly, they are natural leaders who thrive under pressure and I’m sure would excel in any role they chose.”

Mr Dametto said the government should also continue working closely with the Queensland Veterans’ Advisory Council (QVAC), which assists in providing a voice between Queensland’s veteran community and government with strategies to promote the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

“The QVAC is an important voice when it comes to developing veteran-focused government policy and it is important that the Premier listen closely to their advice,” he said.

“There is a wealth of knowledge and experience on the council which should be fully utilised by the government.”

A Veterans’ virtual careers fair will be run online on November 21 from 8am to 5pm.

Veterans can register to participate by heading to https://veterans.vfairs.com/

For more information on the Veterans’ employment pathway program, head to https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/about-veterans-employment-pathway