Queensland’s recruitment drive for veterans to join the state public service “is going from strength to strength”, says the government.
After setting an initial target to find jobs for 100 former members of the Australian Defence Forces, the number recruited has reached 202 in 11 months.
They’re working across 23 agencies, but especially Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service.
“Around 1,600 Queenslanders leave the Australian Defence Force each year and are looking for jobs,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“These are people who have served their country who now serve their state and I could not be more proud of them.
“The veterans career pathways program we put in place is exceeding all expectations — and has been extremely successful in helping our ex-service women and men transition into a new career.
“We know that veterans have highly sought-after skills and importantly they have proven their commitment to public service and making a difference to the lives of others.
“This makes them a perfect fit for the Queensland public service.”
Veterans have been employed across a variety of other Queensland government agencies, including the Department of Education as teachers, Department of Housing and Public Works as carpenters and electrical apprentices, and the Department of Main Roads as engineers, transport inspectors and project managers.
“Veterans have such a diverse range of skills and experience it makes them ideal candidates across many job types”, the premier said.
Many have found work in either Brisbane or Townsville, but also Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns, Wide Bay and Toowoomba.
The Victorian government recently revised its target for veteran recruitment to 750 by the end of June 2021, tripling the original goal.
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