This week on the Military Life podcast, I continue my Defence Family Focused conversations with the ADF Service Chiefs, prompted by National Families Week, which took place recently.
Episode 188 with Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley is a continuation of last year’s episode with the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.
What is great about this being the second podcast episode focused on Navy families is that it shows a genuine willingness to connect, understand, and communicate directly with families continually.
Rear Admiral Buckley and I discuss a range of topics including;
-This year’s National Families Week theme ‘Lending a hand to Thrive: Supporting each other’, and how the Deputy Chief of Navy is helping families thrive.
-An update on the ‘Stay On Board’ family initiatives, including the Navy Families Handbook.
-Engaging with Navy families and how he uses lived experience feedback to inform what he does.
-The importance of understanding the changing needs of not only personnel but their partners and families and reflecting it in policy.
- What opportunities the Deputy Chief of Navy 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 for some Defence Partners.
-The roadblocks the Deputy Chief of Navy faces when it comes to balancing the needs of the Navy organisation, personnel, and families.
-The words of encouragement he would offer those defence partners and families who are new to Navy life.
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