Recommendation 14 The committee recommends that the Department of Defence work with ex-service organisations to develop a transition mentoring program, which will connect every veteran with a trained mentor from the ex-service community to assist and guide them through the transition process. Government Response Noted The Government notes that engaging with groups like ex-service organisations can be important during the transitioning process, and Defence recognises this as part of the substantial support it provides to transitioning ADF members. Defence is committed to ensuring that the men and of the ADF, and their families, are provided with exemplary support services throughout their career, particularly at times of separation. Defence provides a comprehensive transition support service to ADF members and the recently released outlines further initiatives that will enhance Defence White Paper and increase this service. The 2016 notes that Defence will partner with DVA, Australian defence Defence White Paper industry, and other ex-service organisations to support those who have been affected by their service to our country to find a new career, ensuring that they are treated with the respect and dignity that their service deserves. Finding a new career will enable our veterans to continue making valuable contributions to their communities once their military service is completed. The Government will make available to all medically separating ADF members an initiative, currently being trialled by Army, which assists them to secure employment in the civilian workforce. The member-centric program will empower members throughout the transition process by facilitating engagement with supporting organisations, developing a flexible pathway that meets with the member’s preferences and integrates with existing transition programs which would be augmented where required. The program aims to prepare members to be competitive in the civilian job market through a suite of preparatory services and ongoing support. In addition, Defence will enhance the existing Career Transition Assistance Scheme to better support members transitioning out of the ADF with less than 12 years service, to find new employment (Defence White Paper). The Government will also work with ex-service organisations, to ensure that our younger veterans are catered for. Working with ex service organisations, the Prime Minister will convene a forum in in November 2016 to promote the unique skills veterans can bring to employers and to find more effective ways for organisations to engage veterans and their families in the modern economy. Noting that transition can be a time of significant adjustment, the Review of Suicide Prevention will include consideration of transition from military to civilian life, and the effectiveness of transition support services and initiatives undertaken by Defence and DVA, in the context of suicide prevention.
Recommendation 14 The committee recommends that the Department of Defence work with ex-service organisations to develop a transition mentoring program, which will connect every veteran with a trained mentor from the ex-service community to assist and guide them through the transition process. Government Response Noted The Government notes that engaging with groups like ex-service organisations can be important during the transitioning process, and Defence recognises this as part of the substantial support it provides to transitioning ADF members. Defence is committed to ensuring that the men and of the ADF, and their families, are provided with exemplary support services throughout their career, particularly at times of separation. Defence provides a comprehensive transition support service to ADF members and the recently released Defence White Paper outlines further initiatives that will enhance and increase this service. The 2016 Defence White Paper notes that Defence will partner with DVA, Australian defence industry, and other ex-service organisations to support those who have been affected by their service to our country to find a new career, ensuring that they are treated with the respect and dignity that their service deserves. Finding a new career will enable our veterans to continue making valuable contributions to their communities once their military service is completed. The Government will make available to all medically separating ADF members an initiative, currently being trialled by Army, which assists them to secure employment in the civilian workforce. The member-centric program will empower members throughout the transition process by facilitating engagement with supporting organisations, developing a flexible pathway that meets with the member’s preferences and integrates with existing transition programs which would be augmented where required. The program aims to prepare members to be competitive in the civilian job market through a suite of preparatory services and ongoing support. In addition, Defence will enhance the existing Career Transition Assistance Scheme to better support members transitioning out of the ADF with less than 12 years service, to find new employment (Defence White Paper). The Government will also work with ex-service organisations, to ensure that our younger veterans are catered for. Working with ex service organisations, the Prime Minister will convene a forum in in November 2016 to promote the unique skills veterans can bring to employers and to find more effective ways for organisations to engage veterans and their families in the modern economy. Noting that transition can be a time of significant adjustment, the Review of Suicide Prevention will include consideration of transition from military to civilian life, and the effectiveness of transition support services and initiatives undertaken by Defence and DVA, in the context of suicide prevention.
Australian%20Government%20Response%20Senate%20Inquiry%20Mental%20Health.docx