The NSW Government says it wants more military veterans to take up council careers. 

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott says councils should embrace the skills of ex-military members when recruiting for new staff.

“Our veterans are highly trained with core skills such as critical thinking and decision-making, leadership and teamwork, strong interpersonal skills, experience working in culturally diverse communities, resilience and dependability,” Mr Elliot says. 

“Their expertise is invaluable in the civilian workforce and I’m encouraging Councils to join the likes of Campbelltown, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Blacktown, Queanbeyan Palerang and Tweed who have already signed up to the Veterans Employment Program.”

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said almost 500 veterans and their partners have benefited from the Government’s Veterans’ Skills Program, gaining skills and accreditation to help them adapt to civilian roles.

“Veterans have skills that are transferrable to many of the 394 occupations in local government, from chief executive officer level to project managers, team leaders, operational roles, trade and front-office staff,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“To support this transition, the Government is offering veterans and their partners access to free training and support through the Veterans’ Skills Program and Veterans’ Employment Program. Councils are receiving significant funding through the State Government’s infrastructure-led pandemic recovery, which means trades are in high demand.

“Water operations and transfer-into-trade roles, such as former Defence diesel mechanics needing training in unleaded vehicles, are just some of the areas with good employment prospects at councils.”

A Local Government Rank to Grade Guide has been developed by the Office for Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Office of Local Government