ADF Reserves and Employer Support

The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 protects reservists undertaking various forms of Defence service. The Act makes it an offence for an employer to discriminate against, disadvantage, hinder, prevent or dismiss an employee or prospective employee for rendering Defence service (including training). The Act also includes employment, partnership, education, financial liability and bankruptcy protection for reservists in relation to their rendering of Defence service. Civil penalties may also apply for contraventions of the Act. The facilitation of the Act is overseen by the Employer Support and Service Protection team, being part of ADF Reserves and Employer Support within Joint Support Services Division

The Employer Support Payment Scheme (ESPS) provides financial assistance to employers of reservists and to self-employed reservists when the reservist is absent from their civilian workplace on eligible periods of Defence service. For employers of reservists in full-time roles (35+ hours/week), ESPS payments are made at a set weekly rate equivalent to the Full-Time Adult Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) The FY 2021/22 payment rate is $1,711.60 per week. The FY 2022/23 payment rate is $1,748.40 per week   A pro-rata payment may be made for a part-time employee. Casual employment is not eligible for the ESPS but it may be treated as part-time employment if regular and reliable. For employers of medical, dental, nursing or Allied Health Officers or self-employed reservists in this category, higher level or capability ESPS payments may be payable in accordance with the CDF (Health) Approval. ESPS payments are intended for use by and for the claiming organisation. However there are no restrictions on how an organisation or self-employed reservist can use ESPS payments. Reservists are responsible for ensuring their civilian employers are aware of the ESPS. Submit Claim Find Out More Brochure | The Employer Support Payment Scheme

Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservists are highly trained personnel who bring self-discipline, focus, leadership, and world-class training to any workplace or role. Reservists develop skills and experience through formal Defence courses, ongoing training, and on the job as they put their skills into practice. All reservists are trained to: be highly effective communicators display initiative be self-motivated and goal-oriented manage time and resources effectively be self-disciplined and self-reliant operate effectively in a team manage confidently be leaders Reservists may also receive nationally recognised qualifications as part of their training. Available training includes (but is not limited to) qualifications in: advanced communications using computer, radio and satellite technology project management contract management performance management workplace health and safety first aid driving and operating vehicles and heavy machinery