South Australian veterans are receiving extra support to transition from one frontline to another – taking up roles in the emergency services and other government agencies to continue serving their local communities.
More than 1,000 veterans are employed in the state's public sector, including over 120 staff currently serving part-time as Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservists.
South Australia Police, the Metropolitan Fire Service and SA Ambulance Service are among the growing number of employers welcoming veterans to their ranks, as the public sector – the state's largest employer – increasingly recognises the value veterans bring to workplaces.
Skills and experience gained in the military are widely sought after in high-pressure emergency services roles, with agencies offering varied benefits to attract and retain veteran employees such as Defence Reserves Leave or, in some cases, retention of ADF leave entitlements.
SAPOL has joined the new South Australian Veteran Employer Network – launched by the Malinauskas Government last month – which brings together a group of dedicated employers focused on education and networking to help veterans and their partners find meaningful work.
Veterans SA will engage with more government agencies, including the MFS and SAAS, as it looks to expand the network and grow membership across public and private sector organisations.
The new program is in addition to the Veterans SA Career & Business Mentoring Program established to enable veteran community members to connect with experienced South Australian professionals and take the next steps in their careers.
Both programs are part of a $2.1 million State Budget commitment to improve outcomes for veterans and their families, with a host of initiatives being rolled out.
Government agencies can also draw on the Military Rank to Grade Guide which outlines how military ranks compare to public sector classifications – giving veterans confidence their skills align with and translate into a career in the public sector.
Each year, more than 6,000 veterans transition from the ADF, offering civilian employers specialist qualifications and technical expertise as well as transferrable skills in leadership, discipline, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
As put by Geoff Brock
We are delivering more support for veterans to transition into the workforce and secure meaningful employment.
Throughout their careers veterans demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving communities in times of need and this dedication can continue on the emergency services frontline.
The programs and resources we have available help the public sector recognise the unique skills, discipline and dedication that veterans bring and demonstrate how these values are an ideal match to their agencies.
As put by SAPOL Assistant Commissioner and former Operations Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, Stuart McLean
My police and military careers have complemented each other with interchangeable training and skills, and I consider it an honour to serve the community locally and nationally.
SAPOL supported me throughout my Reserve service through the provision of military leave, including an extended period when I undertook full-time service with the Air Force.
Many similarities exist, but at the heart of it, SAPOL and the ADF are about service and creating safer communities, be it locally, nationally or internationally.
There are many opportunities for veterans to apply their skills in problem solving, teamwork, leadership, planning and communications as a police officer.
Veterans can also continue their military career whilst serving as a police officer. There are many police officers in SAPOL with successful Reserve careers.
As put by MFS Firefighter and former Army Officer (Major) and Helicopter Pilot, Genevieve Rüeger
Becoming a firefighter was never on my radar, but when it came time to transition out of my role in the Australian Defence Force, the Metropolitan Fire Service was a place where I could utilise my experience and passion for helping the community and it ended up being an ideal job for me.
After being a Black Hawk pilot in the Army, I was looking for another role where I could serve the community, stay physically and mentally fit, and work as part of a team – as a firefighter I get to do this every day.
Firefighting is all about teamwork, and when you have diversity in your team, you're able to solve problems more efficiently.
Being from different backgrounds, you bring different experiences and knowledge to the table, and my experience in the ADF has helped me bring a unique perspective into all the problem-solving required as a firefighter.
As put by SAAS MedSTAR Nurse Consultant and current 3rd Health Battalion – Army Reservist, Andrew Dansie
I have received remarkable support in my dual commitments, with SAAS recognising the invaluable skills and experiences gained through military service.
As an Army nurse and a retrieval consultant, I am intimately involved in navigating the high-pressure environments of emergency response. Whether on deployment or in an ambulance response capacity, the ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive is paramount.
Each role complements the other, allowing me to apply my military training and experiences to civilian settings, and vice versa, ultimately ensuring the best possible outcomes for my patients in their time of need.
