Reservists

Reservists are a fundamental part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and provide a considerable contribution to the security and national interests of Australia. ADF reservists are proud and loyal Australians who come from all backgrounds to add a new dimension to their lives through part-time military service. They come from all walks of life and work in various roles. They balance their civilian lifestyle with their part-time role in Defence. Reservists serve in a variety of roles in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where they join as initial recruits in trade-qualified and professional service positions or with no experience. Full-time ADF personnel can also transition to the Reserves. Reservists serve alongside their full-time colleagues on all Defence exercises and operations. They also assist in securing Australia’s national borders and make a valuable contribution to the local community, providing assistance and support following natural disasters and in emergency rescue operations. Reservists are valuable assets to Defence and their civilian workplace bringing self-discipline, focus, leadership, teamwork and world-class training into any civilian role.

The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 (DRS(P) Act) protects Reserve members undertaking various forms of defence service. The DRS(P) Act makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against, disadvantage, hinder, prevent or dismiss an employee or prospective employee for rendering defence service (including training). The DRS(P) Act also includes employment, partnership, education, financial liability and bankruptcy protections. Civil penalties may also apply for contraventions of the Act. The facilitation of the DRS(P) Act is overseen by the Employer Support and Service Protection team, being part of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves and Employer Support within Reserve and Cadet Support Division.

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

The Employer Support Awards are designed to formally recognise civilian employers committed to supporting reservists in their workplace. They acknowledge employers that have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees, over a sustained period or for a special effort to enable the member to complete their Reserve commitments.

ADF immersion activities are designed to give civilian employers and senior staff a hands-on experience of what their Reserve member employees do in the military. 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

Defence immersions are stimulating and geared towards showcasing the unique skillsets of reservists, and 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. Boss X Boss X teaches employers of reservist’s first-hand what the ADF does on major exercises and operations. Often there is an opportunity for employers to see their employees working in their Reserve role. Boss X activities will usually take place over a three to five day period. In recent years, Boss X has seen employers travel to overseas locations and major military exercises in Australia. How can my employer attend? Reservists are welcome to express their employer’s interest in an ADF immersion or Boss X activity by completing and submitting the following expression of interest. EOI FORM You can also contact a member of ADF Reserves and Employer Support for more information at 1800 DEFENCEor via the contact us page.

As a reservist, finding a civilian employer that is supportive of you rendering defence service is important. The following list of organisations are active Supportive Employers who support the ADF mission and the role that ADF reservists play in advancing Australia’s National Interest. Supportive Employer information Apply to be a Supportive Employer
The Supportive Employer Program categorises organisations into three tiers to demonstrate their level of support:

Membership Tiers

Gold (Advocate):Requirements

The employer has achieved Silver membership, and not only demonstrates, but also positively advocates for their Reserve members through a current Defence/ADF leave policy that may include more generous leave provisions (e.g. additional paid leave may be provided).

The employer demonstrates recognition and utilisation of the skills, knowledge and experiences that reservists can bring to their organisation.

The employer proactively advocates and demonstrates that their recruitment and selection process considers reservists and ADF veterans equitably.

The employer actively ensure that their workforce is aware of their positive policies supporting ADF Reserve service.

The employer must have met their reserve service protection obligations for a period of 2 years prior to applying for the program.

Silver (Demonstrate):Requirements

The employer has achieved Bronze membership and has a current Defence Leave Policy (DLP) that is compliant with the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001.

The employer must have met their reserve service protection obligations for a period of 2 years prior to applying for the program.

Bronze (Declare):Requirements

The employer is a signatory to the Supportive Employer Program.

The employer must have met their reserve service protection obligations under the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 for a period of 12 months prior to applying for the program.