THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
11 August 2011
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon, has announced a $3 million boost to a program providing education and employment support to Defence families.
“I am delighted to announce we are doubling the funding for the Partner Education and Employment Program, which supports partners of our Australian Defence Force (ADF) members,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Under these expanded arrangements, the partners of our junior personnel will be eligible to apply for a one-off payment of up to $3000 to access vocational training and other education opportunities to assist them become job-ready.”
Mr Snowdon made the announcement when he met with the national executive of Defence Families of Australia in Canberra during the organisation’s annual National Conference on Tuesday.
Mr Snowdon said 2011 was a significant year for Defence Families of Australia, marking their 25th year representing Defence families.
“Defence Families of Australia plays a key role in providing Defence families with a voice. It brings the views of Defence families to Defence leadership – and to me – and ensures that matters that are important to families are heard,” Mr Snowdon said.
“I had very useful discussions with the national executive, covering a wide range of issues that are important to Defence families. Such dialogue is an invaluable feedback mechanism and I thank the executive for their dedication and hard work.”
Applications for the expanded Partner Education and Employment Program will be available from the Defence Community Organisation website www.defence.gov.au/dco in November each year, commencing this year.
The Defence Families of Australia national executive will continue to meet this week with senior Defence personnel and to discuss a range of matters that are important to the families of ADF personnel.
Further information on Defence Families of Australia is available on their website www.dfa.org.au.
Contact:
Alice Plate, Minister Snowdon, 02 6277 7820
Julie Blackburn, DFA National Convenor, 0410 626 103
Defence Media Operations, 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664