Assistant Minister for Defence - Top End bosses to be stretched to the limit

Northern Territory employers will be stretched to the limit this week when they come up against Australian Defence Force Reservists, Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert announced today.

Minister Robert said 19 Top End bosses will participate in Exercise Executive Stretch, testing their skills against Australian Defence Force Reservists representing Navy, Army and Air Force units in the Northern Territory.

“The employers include the Mayor of Palmerston, the CEO of Alice Springs Town Council and many other key Territory business owners and managers who support Defence and whose employees are Reservists," Mr Robert said.

“Exercise Executive Stretch gives employers a first-hand experience of their Reservist employees’ activities. Importantly, it highlights the expertise their staff members build during Reserve service.”

The attendees will participate in a variety of military activities including team building exercises; Navy water craft operations; NORFORCE boat capsize drills; military physical training; Bushmaster Mobility Vehicle, Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle, M1A1 Abrams Tank and RAAF air operations; repelling, live fire range shoot and much more.

Minister Robert said Australian employers are genuinely impressed at the nature and extent of the skills developed in the Reserve and understand these skills are transferable to the civilian workplace.

“Leadership, motivation and teamwork are core values developed and used by Reservists and, of course, these skills are also highly valued by any employer.

“Understanding the benefits of a shared workforce will enable employers to manage that workforce for the benefit of their organisation, the employee and more broadly the Australian community,” Mr Robert said.

Exercise Executive Stretch will be held from 17 to 19 October at Larrakeyah Barracks, Robertson Barracks and RAAF Base Darwin.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert’s Office):            0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations:                               (02) 6127 1999