Local businesses can now nominate for the 2020 Prime Minister Veterans’ Employment Awards which highlights the contributions made by veterans in the civilian workforce and the businesses that support them.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the awards were a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate businesses of all sizes who employ or support veterans of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“This is a chance to be recognised as an industry leader in supporting veteran employment by nominating for these prestigious Awards,” Mr Vasta said.

Every year over 5,500 people leave the Australian Defence Force, and the Government’s aim is to ensure every person is able to transition into civilian life in towns across Australia effectively and find meaningful employment by business that support them.

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the awards, now in the third year, were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate veterans, their entrepreneurial nature, and businesses from across Australia who employs ADF veterans and their families.

“We invest heavily in training our ADF personnel, providing them with qualities and capabilities that are valued by civilian employers — leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of mission and purpose are all qualities employers can expect,” Mr Chester said.

“The extensive range of skills, abilities, behaviours and attributes veterans gain makes them an asset to any workplace.”

Information on the awards can be found on the new Veterans’ Employment website.

Nominations for the awards are now open online and will close on October 22, 2019 with finalists announced in early 2020.