Tamworth Regional Council general manager Paul Bennett said council was proud to have already signed up as a Supportive Employer of Defence Reserves.
MOVES to make Tamworth the first Australian Defence Reserves-supportive city in Australia are well under way.
At the Tamworth Regional Council meeting on January 15 councillors supported a motion designed to throw support behind the initiative of the Tamworth Business Chamber.
The Defence Reserves Support Council promotes the benefits of the reserve service and encourages employers and the community to support Reservists.
Tamworth Regional Council general manager Paul Bennett said council was proud to have already signed up as a Supportive Employer of Defence Reserves.
“The Reserves are not only an asset for our nation but also provides benefits to employers,” he said.
“Apart from employees having the chance to develop technical skills they are also exposed to leadership training.
“Council usually has a number of reservists among its employees at any one time.”
Tamworth Regional Council has a defence leave policy which aims to provide an environment where it supports employees who take part in national defence and security services.
The policy complies with the provisions of the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act and allows employees access to 10 days of paid leave to carry out Defence Reserve Service.
The policy sets out council’s commitment not to hinder or prevent an employee from carrying out Defence Reserve Service and ensure that any employee who has, will or may undertake Defence Reserve Service, is not
discriminated against.
Chamber executive officer Marjolyn Thomas said the campaign was the first of its kind and would help to build a strong and resilient business community which is better informed and serviced on Defence Reserve employment
matters.
It will generate regional, state and national exposure highlighting the Tamworth business community’s social and community consciousness and market Tamworth as a defence-friendly city thereby assisting it in its application to secure the AIR 5428 contract.
As part of the program the Business Chamber’s logo will feature on the Defence Reserves Support website, and link with the Chamber’s website.
