Defence Reserves Support

Defence Reserves Support provides a link between Defence, reservists, civilian employers, educational institutions and the community.

Our aim is to enhance the availability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves through facilitating strong and productive working relationships between reservists and their civilian employers.

Support teams

Defence Reserves Support is comprised of four teams that support different components of these relationships:

Employer Support and Service Protection Supports Reserve Service Protection, manages policy for the Employer Support Payment Scheme and assists civilian employers in preparing Defence reserve leave policies that meet current legislative requirements.
Regional Engagement Facilitates the regional employer engagement activities, the Employer Support Awards, and the Exercise Boss Lift. The Team are located in each state, known as the Defence Reserves Support offices.
National Priority and Planning Develops and implements strategies for enhanced strategic stakeholder engagement, administration and implementation of the Supportive Employer Program. They are also responsible for administration of the Price of Wales Award.
Policy and International Engagement Develops ADF Reserve policy and is responsible for the representation of ADF Reserves at international engagement forums such as the NATO-led National Reserve Forces Committee and the International Committee for Employer Support of Reserves. Policy and International Engagement are also responsible for the administration of the Tasman Scheme.

What We Do

Defence Reserves Support

Defence Reserves Support provides a link between Defence, reservists, civilian employers, educational institutions and the community.

Our aim is to enhance the availability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves through facilitating strong and productive working relationships between reservists and their civilian employers.

Support teams

Defence Reserves Support is comprised of four teams that support different components of these relationships:

Employer Support and Service Protection Supports Reserve Service Protection, manages policy for the Employer Support Payment Scheme and assists civilian employers in preparing Defence reserve leave policies that meet current legislative requirements.
Regional Engagement Facilitates the regional employer engagement activities, the Employer Support Awards, and the Exercise Boss Lift. The Team are located in each state, known as the Defence Reserves Support offices.
National Priority and Planning Develops and implements strategies for enhanced strategic stakeholder engagement, administration and implementation of the Supportive Employer Program. They are also responsible for administration of the Price of Wales Award.
Policy and International Engagement Develops ADF Reserve policy and is responsible for the representation of ADF Reserves at international engagement forums such as the NATO-led National Reserve Forces Committee and the International Committee for Employer Support of Reserves. Policy and International Engagement are also responsible for the administration of the Tasman Scheme.

Important links

COVID-19 Information for Reservists and Employers

The COVID-19 situation in Australia and abroad is changing daily. We want to make sure that Defence personnel remain well informed about the situation.

Further information for Reservists and Employers, including information in relation to Defence's response to COVID-19 can be found on the the Defence COVID-19 Taskforce website.

All reservists who have been force assigned to Operation Covid-19 Assist are able to access support for during this time through Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS).

For information about available support:

Visit: Coronavirus advice: Defence Member and Family Support: Department of Defence

Defence Member and Family Helpline: 1800 624 608

Email: memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

Latest news

ADF reservists and leaders talk about International Women’s Day

Ms Whelan shared her early experience in the Defence Force, which she said was a challenging environment for women at that time and opportunities were limited. "I joined the Medical Corp because it was one of the few areas of employment in the '80s where there was an opportunity for women to truly deploy on operations in a combat service support role," she said.

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