In 2023, Anneliese Knight joined Defence after two decades working in private industry.

She had been searching for a job that suited her core values and skillset and would allow her to contribute to the workforce while balancing family commitments and continuing her education.

After joining Defence, Ms Knight became aware of career and personal development opportunities designed to support her learning, including Studybank – a program that offers partial funding and paid study time.

“Defence enabled me to continue my self-education by funding part of my master’s in business administration and allowing me time to complete my study,” Ms Knight said. 

“The learning and development growth opportunities are endless and I look forward to exploring these further when I finish my qualification.”

Defence also promotes health and wellbeing with a range of helpful resources available, such as the Employee Assistance Program.

Ms Knight said flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance are important. 

“Defence supports my values by providing the flexibility to achieve my professional outcomes while still prioritising my family,” she said.

“Defence is family-oriented and the flexible work arrangements have allowed me to attend my daughter’s school assemblies. My colleagues have even celebrated her achievements through our team’s communications. 

“It’s very nurturing and reassuring for me that people I work with are encouraging of time spent with family.”

Ms Knight’s advice to people interested in a career in Defence is to go for it, “because once you’re in Defence there are many opportunities to better yourself professionally and personally”. 

Find out more about the benefits, conditions, opportunities and support services Defence offers its APS employees here.