SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES

THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
MINISTER FOR VETERANS' AFFAIRS  
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

BUILDING LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR DEFENCE AND VETERAN SPOUSES

The Australian Government is continuing to support our valued defence and veteran families, with applications now open for a leadership development program designed for spouses.

The Women in Leadership Development program will be delivered by the Families of Veterans Guild and support its new “Rise Together Initiative”, which aims to build the career confidence of defence and veteran partners. The program will empower defence and veteran spouses to kickstart their leadership journey with tailored support, including workshops and coaching.

The program was launched this morning in Canberra by the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher and Renee Wilson, the CEO of the Families of Veterans Guild, alongside defence and veteran families.

The Families of Veterans Guild is a not-for-profit organisation that provides the defence and veteran family community with a voice, facilitates access to services and entitlements, and supports social and emotional wellbeing.

The organisation has received $92,000 to deliver the Women in Leadership Development program from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program.

Defence and veteran spouses can apply for the program through the Families of Veterans Guild website.

Quotes attributable to Minister Gallagher:

“Defence and veteran spouses are resilient, adaptable and resourceful – all vital leadership skills,

“However, being part of a defence family often means spouses’ careers take a back seat. This program is an important opportunity for women to build the skills and confidence to take the next steps in their careers.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Keogh:

“The sacrifices families make to support ADF members play a crucial role in protecting our nation’s security, but too often go unrecognised.

“Our Government is proud to support initiatives like this to support Defence partner employment as well as the Veteran Employment Program, in recognition of the sacrifice of these spouses from supporting their partners’ service to our nation.”

ENDS