Celebrating Defence families this National Families Week
People are Defence’s most important capability and family support is crucial to sustaining and growing our Australian Defence Force.
National Families Week kicks off tomorrow to recognise the unique lives Defence families live.
Families experience a military life and make their own sacrifices alongside their serving family members. That is why the Albanese Government is committed to the continual improvement of initiatives, services and programs that support our people and their families.
The Albanese Government is very present to the impact of service on families, Defence spouses for example are arguably are the most over qualified, underemployed group in Australia.
As is the nature of service here in Australia, Defence families are relocated often. This results in many family members having great qualifications, skills and experience but the constant need to change jobs hampers their own career progression.
In an effort to better support that we’ve recently launched a new online resource to specifically support defence and veteran partners and connect them to defence family friendly businesses.
This week Defence is hosting National Families Week events across Australia to celebrate the important role ADF families play in supporting Defence.
Over the past 12 months, Defence personnel and their families have seen significant changes and improvements that support contemporary family structures. Permanent ADF personnel are now receiving an extra five days of recreation leave a year and have access to increased flexibility in housing choices and work locations.
I wish our Defence families a happy National Families Week and thank them for their continued and unwavering support.
MEDIA NOTE:
Media can access imagery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20241250
For further information about National Families Week events for Defence families, visit the Defence website.
If you would like to find out more about the support programs available, contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or download the Defence Member and Family Information Guide.