BOSS LIFT TO SOLOMON ISLANDS REINFORCES BENEFITS OF EMPLOYING RESERVISTS

Eighteen employers of Defence Reservists will travel to the Solomon Islands today as part of Exercise Boss Lift — a Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP announced that the employers will visit soldiers from Sydney based 8^th Brigade who are currently on a four month deployment to the Solomon Islands.

While in Honiara and surrounds, the employers will have the opportunity to see their Reservists on Operation Anode, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.

The Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division (CRESD), which is responsible for facilitating employer support for Australia's Defence Reservists, has ensured the three-day program will highlight the important role the Reserves play in the Australian Defence Force and will allow employers to experience directly the essential roles played by their employees.

Dr Kelly said he believed the employers would gain a valuable insight into the benefits their Defence Reserve employees can bring back to the civilian workplace.

 “We aim to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the ADF and how those skills can benefit civilian employers.”

“As the ADF's commitments grow, Reserves are bringing increased levels of capability to Australia’s Defence Force and this experience can flow directly back to the civilian workplace,” said Dr Kelly said.

For details about the many programs run by CRESD visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves or call 1800 803 485.

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):             02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664