When I got the call that the Chief of Army Australia, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, wanted to come back on the Military Life podcast ahead of National Families Week 2025, I have to admit I was feeling a mix of emotions.
The one at the top of the list- PROUD.
Proud because it signalled that Defence Families are being thought about and considered.
Proud because it means there has been a shift in the way Defence Leaders are communicating with families, thanks to all of us and those partners who came before us.
Proud because it shows the genuine care, understanding, and so importantly, the connection being built each time Defence Leaders listen and learn, adjust policy and introduce new family initiatives.
And proud because each time Defence Leaders show us that Partners and Families deserve to be supported throughout our defence life journey, and acknowledged for our sacrifice.
Each conversation with Lieutenant General Stuart has been genuine and insightful with someone who, in his own words, isn’t interested in “legacy” but is committed to real and actual practical changes for Army families so that they can continue to thrive and choose to serve.
On episode 187, Lieutenant General Stuart and I continue our family-focused conversation and speak about;
- This year’s National Families Week theme ‘Lending a hand to Thrive: Supporting each other’ and how the Chief of Army is helping Army families thrive.
- An update on the new Army Families Handbook, the Army Partner Support Pilot Program and plans for future family initiatives.
- What he has learnt during his recent catch-ups with Partners and Families, and how he uses real-time feedback to inform and take action.
- Are the results of the ADF Families survey timely, relevant, and representative, and how do they direct policy change?
- What opportunities the Chief of Army sees are available to continually challenge thoughts around the evolving experiences and role of the Defence Partner and Family.
- We discuss the recent changes to PEAP (Partner Employment Assistance Program) and the negative impact the new reimbursement model is having on some Defence Partners.
- What words of encouragement he would offer those Defence Partners and Families new to Army life.
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