Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945

This Act helps Australian armed forces members returning from war to re-establish themselves in civilian life, primarily by protecting their pre-service employment rights. Originally enacted for World War II veterans, it was later extended to cover service in Korea and Malaya.

Key provisions include:

• Job Reinstatement Rights: Former employers must reinstate discharged service members to their previous positions (or equivalent work) under conditions no less favorable than if they had never left—including pay rises they would have received. Employers cannot terminate workers simply because they are liable for war service.

• Apprenticeship Protections: Apprentices who left for war can suspend and revive their training contracts upon return, with their time served counting toward qualification. They receive absolute preference in employment over apprentices hired during their absence.

• Vocational Training: Establishes the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme, providing education, living allowances, and loans for veterans to learn new trades or professions.

• Administrative Support: Creates Reinstatement Committees (comprising employer, employee, and ex-service representatives) to resolve disputes and extend deadlines; establishes legal service bureaux; and provides for land settlement and housing allocation schemes.