Increased education and employment support

MEDIA RELEASE

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon

11 August 2011

Increased education and employment support for Defence families

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.

* Applications for PEEP Tier Two opened on Monday November 7 for courses starting in 2012. DFA recommends partners lodge applications as early as possible.

PEEP Tier Two will be available for the next three years and is aimed at the partners of the more junior officer and enlisted ranks. Applications will be open to the partners of Private to Sergeant ranks (and their equivalents Aircraftman to Sergeant - Air Force and Seaman to Petty Officer - Navy) and to the partners of Lieutenant to Captain ranks (and equivalents Flying Officer and Flight Lieutenant - Air Force and Sub Lieutenant and Lieutenant - Navy ).

Eligibility criteria will still apply and there are some conditions for applying for PEEP Tier Two so do check the PEEP section of the DCO website, at www.defence.gov.au/dco/peep, before applying.