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 and the Employer Support Awards program. The team are located in each state, known as the Defence Reserves Support offices.
National Priority and Planning Develops and implements strategies for enhanced stakeholder engagement such as the Supportive Employer Program. They are also responsible for national event planning including Exercise Boss Lift and administration of the Prince 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 and the Employer Support Awards program. The team are located in each state, known as the Defence Reserves Support offices.
National Priority and Planning Develops and implements strategies for enhanced stakeholder engagement such as the Supportive Employer Program. They are also responsible for national event planning including Exercise Boss Lift and administration of the Prince 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

NSW ADF Reserve employers dominate national Defence awards

Three New South Wales-based employers have been formally recognised for outstanding support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservists in their civilian workplaces, at Defence’s recent National Employer Support Awards.

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