DEPARTMENT OF JOBS,
TOURISM, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION — VETERANS ISSUES
1121. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the minister representing the Minister for Veterans Issues:
This question is asked on behalf of
Hon Tjorn Sibma, who is on urgent parliamentary business. I refer to the
transfer of the veterans issues portfolio from the Department of Communities to
the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, which was reported in
the 2020–21 budget papers.
(1) What was the rationale for the
transfer of responsibilities between agencies?
(2) Could the minister confirm that the allocation of
approximately $131 000 to the veterans issues portfolio in 2020–21,
and similar amounts over the forward estimates, relates to the employment of a single
full-time equivalent position?
(3) If yes to
(2), can the minister table a copy of the job description form or forms
outlining the roles and responsibilities of the officer or officers?
(4) What progress
has been made regarding the implementation of the government's Western Australian
veterans and families strategy since the strategy was launched in August last
year?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) This transition is in alignment with both the
McGowan government's veterans and families strategy and the Western
Australian defence and defence industries strategic plan. While government will
continue to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our veteran community,
supporting veteran pathways into civilian employment and leveraging off their
underutilised economic potential is an essential task whereby the state can
provide value. By encouraging the employment of veterans, we harness the
skills, knowledge and attitudes gained
through service with the Australian Defence Force, not only in the growing
defence industries but also all other
employment sectors throughout our state. An emphasis on employment is
crucial in supporting veterans to find a new sense of purpose and identity, and
will assist in alleviating some of the issues, including mental health
challenges, that veterans face. The McGowan government is committed to
supporting our veteran communities and will continue to work to better
integrate former ADF members into civilian employment.
(2) Yes.
(3) No, the job
description form is currently being redrafted in anticipation of the position
being advertised to be filled on a permanent basis.
(4) Following the
transition of the portfolio to the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and
Innovation, the veterans issues team continues to progress the five themes
identified in the strategy of recognition, understanding, support,
participation and commemoration of Western Australia's veteran
community.