Minister launches pilot SWAPP scheme

By Graham Davis

A pilot scheme aimed at improving retention rates by helping the partners of ADF members find work, was launched at HMAS Albatross on October 10.

Called the Services Workforce Access Program for Partners, (SWAPP) the scheme will see the involvement of Defence Personnel Executive, Defence Community Organisation, Defence Families Association, the global careers services company Lee Hecht Harrison, TAFE, Adecco and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

The pilot scheme, to run for 12 months, was formally launched by the Minister for Veterans Affairs Mrs Danna Vale (deputising for the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mr Mal Brough) and the Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs Joanna Gash in a ceremony attended by about 60 people including many Defence partners.

With approximately 5,500 Defence partners affected by postings annually, it has been recognised that the need for the partner to obtain work, if he or she so desires, at the new location, is most important.

As Minister Vale pointed out, “decisions to leave the ADF are made in the home. “A happy family means a happy Defence member. “Working for Defence is more than just a job. Defence life is a unique life,” Mrs Vale said.

But how can SWAPP help partners? It can provide access to:

• Professional recruitment agencies who will provide individually tailored assistance.
• Assistance with transition work and job placement through the Job Network system.
• Up to 25 hours childcare, per child, while the partner seeks employment.
• Training that has been identified for an immediate job prospect.
• Assistance in regional areas including paid internet access in very remote locations.
• Assistance with necessarily incurred re-registration expenses when obtaining a job in a new locality.
• Access the DCO community computers with internet connection so the partner can undertake online job search activities.

  Further information and application forms are available on the DCO web site at www.dco.dod.gov.au or from local DCO offices.
  
  The official launch of SWAPP provided an opportunity for two local groups, the Defence Families Association and Creswell’s Banksia House Family Group, to accept Government grants to assist with their work.
  
  Mrs Vale and Mrs Gash presented $33,528 to Mrs Kim Trudgen president of the DFA and $23,868 to Mrs Kaylene Anderson president of Banksia House. Minister launches pilot SWAPP scheme.
  
  

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