Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan praised the contribution
of our female Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
and veterans and called on all Australians to recognise
their service and sacrifice.
Mr Tehan
attended the first-ever Female Veterans and Families
Forum in Canberra today where female veterans and
representatives from veterans and family groups
discussed ways to improve services.
"This forum
delivers another Turnbull Government election commitment
by providing a platform for our female veterans to raise
issues directly to the Government and Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)," Mr Tehan said.
"One
striking message was that our female veterans do not
feel they receive the recognition they deserve for their
service and sacrifice.
"For
example, many of our female veterans observed that when
they wore their medals in public many people assumed
they were wearing the medals of their father or
grandfather.
"The
reality is there are almost 9000 women currently serving
in the ADF, which is about 15 per cent of the total
permanent force.
"There is
not a single job in the ADF that is not open to women
and women are making important and valuable
contributions to our national defence.
"As a
society, we need to acknowledge the service and
sacrifice of everyone who serves in defence of our
country."
Mr Tehan
said the forum raised other issues about communication
and transition that the Government would seek to
address.
"The female
veterans and families gave feedback about areas of
improvement that are specific to families and the
important role they play in supporting the veteran
community," Mr Tehan said.
"The
Government is improving the transition process by
ensuring all personnel will have appropriate
documentation, including health records, superannuation
and training records, and participate in the formal
transition process before separating from the ADF. All
separating ADF personnel will also have access to
coaching services to help them seek and obtain
employment.
"Since the
start of this year the ADF and DVA computer systems are
also sharing some information which will allow DVA to
communicate with ADF personnel at appropriate stages of
their careers and post-service life."
