Employers

Reservists are highly trained people who bring self-discipline, focus, leadership, and world-class training to any workplace or role. Read more.

The new Supportive Employer Program recognises those employers and businesses that go above and beyond to support their Australian Defence Force reservist employees and their role in serving Defence’s mission in advancing Australia’s national interests. Organisations and employers can apply to join the program by completing and submitting an application form (see below for details). The program is open to organisations of all shapes and sizes and you do not have to currently employ ADF reservists to be a part of the program. Public Sector applications will be considered at departmental level and private sector at organisational level. Once an application is received, our team will assess your application and determine which level of the program your organisation best meets; bronze, silver or gold. We will be in contact to advise you of this and explain your responsibilities as an employer of reservists and the ongoing support Defence can provide. As a supportive employer, you will receive a certificate that recognises your organisation as a supportive employer of ADF Reserves and a merchandise pack will be sent to the business address you provided in your application. You’ll also be provided with the Supportive Employer logo to display on your organisation’s website and in the workplace to demonstrate your corporate responsibility through your support of the ADF. Employers will also be recognised through the Supportive Employer Program Directory. The directory displays the logo of organisations in the program as confirmation of Defences endorsement of their business as a supportive employer of reservists. Reservists benefit when their employer becomes a Supportive Employer by having a publicly-recognised understanding and supportive employer, with additional opportunities for engagement and support for their employer as well as the opportunity for invitations to ADF Reserves and Employer Support events where possible. Also, reservists who are looking for new employment can use the directory as a tool to find workplaces which are supportive of ADF Reservist Service. We encourage reservists to work with their civilian employers to sign up to the program.

Financial assistance is available for employers of Reserve members and self-employed Reserve members, when the Reserve member is away from their civilian workplace. Read more.

The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 protects Reserve members when undertaking service. Read more.

Under the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001, employers must release reservists when they are required to undertake periods of ADF service including military training. When a reservist employee is released for required training, deployment or any other appointment associated with defence service, they must not be forced to take any form of paid or unpaid leave. The amount of leave a reservist may need to apply for when required to undertake reserve service will vary. Leave for defence service can include:

initial recruit training

initial employment training

annual exercises / camps

specialist courses

deployment for service

general defence service

Employers are not required to pay a reservist’s salary while they’re rendering defence service. However, employers are encouraged to develop a supportive Reserve Leave policy. Brochure | Responsibilities and Protections For further information you can get in touch via the Contact us page

ADF immersion activities are designed to enhance support for the Reserves by giving employers and senior staff a hands-on experience of what Reserve members do. ADF immersions are usually held in conjunction with a Navy, Army or Air Force exercise which afford the participants the opportunity to see how Reserve members contribute to the ADF, an insight into defence service and the skills reservists bring to their civilian workforce. A typical program is informative and adventurous, all set in a challenging yet safe and controlled environment and run from half day, to two days in duration (and over weekends). It combines a range of activities that might include some of the following:

leadership, confidence and initiative tests

team-building exercises

navigation theory and practice

bush-craft

communications

quick decision exercises

visits to technical training facilities

visits to Defence bases

ADF immersions are stimulating and geared towards developing personal skill rather than physical exertion. Average fitness levels are sufficient to participate in the activities. Reservists are responsible for making sure their civilian employers are aware of these activities and in some instances are encouraged to nominate their employer to attend.

ADF Immersion or Boss X Activity

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Defence formally recognises civilian employers of reservists through the presentation of Employers Support Awards. The Prince of Wales Award and Tasman Scheme reward Reservists for their dedication and commitment to the ADF.