Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I was down in Adelaide for the ADF reserves National Employer Support Awards. The award celebrates civilian employers who go above and beyond in supporting their employees' ADF reserve service. We know there are unique challenges in balancing military service with civilian jobs, study and family commitments. Therefore, support from the civilian employer is crucial. I know a little bit about these challenges, having served in reserve units: the 13th Brigade in Perth, NORFORCE in Darwin and the 1st Commando Regiment in Sydney. With six awards on offer, Territorians took out the award or received an honourable mention in four categories. Keep up the great work NORSTA North, We Fix IT, the Patrol Boat Group headquarters, Alice Springs Hospital's pharmacy department, Lockheed Martin and St Joseph's Catholic College. They are outstanding employers of reservists. It was no surprise when our very own Territory Regional Engagement Manager, Judith Carson, was awarded a silver ADF commendation for her dedication and exemplary efforts supporting Territory reserve employers. Territory reservists have civilian careers, and they will be much better off into the future under the Albanese Labor government's cutting of student debt and making fee-free TAFE courses permanent.