Back the boys in green plea

Ashley Baldry speaking at the Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast.

Blainey Woodham

DEFENCE Reserve Support has made a plea to Tweed businesses to pledge their support for reservists this week.

At this week's Tweed Chamber of Commerce breakfast, the organisation's regional manager Lt Ashley Baldry highlighted the opportunities in employing reservists.

"Reservists possess unique qualities that can benefit businesses," he said.

"It's important that employers understand the skills they can offer and know how they can utilise those skills."

Lt Baldry said the core skills of reservists including teamwork, self-confidence, leadership and experience of other cultures were all desirable qualities highly prized by employers.

"With the added practical skills like first aid, health and safety, fire fighting and quick response in emergencies and personal skills like organisational loyalty, reliability and integrity, reservists are an asset," he said.

Lt Baldry said it was important for employers to recognise and support the massive commitment made by army, navy and air force reservists.

He said employers can make a pledge without necessarily employing a reservist.

Visiting state manager for Defence Reserve Support squadron leader Fleur James said there was no obligation to employ.

"It's more about awareness and showing support," she told the Daily News.

"This may be as simple as becoming part of the network and displaying your logo on our website."

Reservists require two weeks a year to attend reservist activities.

The organisation pays their employer for their time absent from work.

The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act of 2001 sets out the rights of the reservist and obligations of their employer.

To pledge your support call the Defence Reserves Support hotline on 1800 803 485 and request a form or complete the electronic form on defence.gov.au/reserves or email orsp@defence.gov.au for more information.