A Tim Nicholls-led Liberal National Government will provide improved services, more opportunities and stronger representation for our retired servicemen and servicewomen as part of our plan to build a better Queensland.
In a Queensland first, Mr Nicholls today launched the comprehensive plan to assist ex-ADF personnel transitioning back into civilian life.
“Queensland is home to around 50,000 veterans (more than any other state) and I believe they deserve a state-based policy that provides better services and more opportunities for them,” Mr Nicholls said.
“If an LNP Government is elected at the next state election, Queensland will lead Australia in the recognition of and assistance we provide former ADF Members.”
Mr Nicholls said the LNP’s comprehensive plan would build better services and better communities by helping veterans in five key ways.
“We will appoint a Minister for Veterans responsible for leading strategies aimed at ensuring that State Government services are better targeted to this group. This could include initiatives such as delivering a veterans’ homelessness strategy,” he said.
“We will commit to a public service veterans target to increase the number of ex-ADF personnel working in the public service and provide proper recognition of their military training and how that fits into roles within the Queensland Government.
“This will see more veterans working in the Queensland public service, with their extensive skills, training and experience ensuring we deliver better government.
“We will appoint a senior representative in the public service as the Veterans’ Champion to mentor and establish a network of veterans in the public service. We will also make sure Queensland Government job websites are updated to provide more information to ex-ADF personnel about the jobs that best link to their skill set.
“We will create a $2 million Veterans Transition Grants Program, for ex-service and defence welfare organisations to access and fund programs that help veterans to transition back into civilian life and another career after leaving the Defence Force.
“We will also make the Queensland Veterans’ Advisory Council a permanent fixture of a future LNP Government.”
Mr Nicholls was joined by veterans at today’s launch as well as four LNP candidates for the upcoming state election who have all served in the ADF.
LNP Candidate for Southern Downs James Lister, who was in the RAAF for 17 years, said veterans had a unique skill-set to make them ideal employees.
“Veterans work well in a team, have a sense of duty, they’re organised and disciplined, adaptable, problem solvers and have a strong work ethic and that is why it is great the LNP has developed this policy to help veterans transition from military to civilian life,” he said.
“There is no question the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging especially when it comes to employment.”
LNP Candidate for Ferny Grove Nick Elston served in the Australian Army for 10 years and is proud of helping Queenslanders recover from Cyclones Larry and Yasi and the 2011 floods.
“A state-based policy is important as Queensland is home to 27 per cent of serving Australian Defence Force personnel,” Mr Elston said.
“Queensland also has some of Australia’s largest military bases, including the nation’s largest army base in Townsville, the ADF’s largest base, Amberley’s Royal Australian Air Force Base and two of Australia’s three army Beersheba Brigades (3rd in Townsville and 7th at Enoggera).”
LNP Candidate for Cooper Rob Shearman served for 23 years including operations in the Middle East.
“I’m still in the Army Reserves and work for a large family-owned manufacturing business. Some of our soldiers need extra assistance when they return from duty and it’s something I’m passionate about,” Mr Shearman said.
LNP Candidate for Buderim Brent Mickelberg was a former Army Captain who served in Afghanistan and helped in Grantham after the devastating floods of 2011.
“I still volunteer with the RSL and Legacy and ex-serving men and women deserve a policy that reflects the important sacrifice and contribution they have made to our state,” he said.
