Veterans given leg-up for NSW govt jobs

NSW veterans are set to get extra help to find work in the state's public sector under a new government scheme.

The NSW Government Veterans Employment Program, the first of its kind in Australia, will help identify and match ex-personnel with government roles which are best suited to their military rank and skills.

The scheme will aim to transition 200 veterans into the public sector by 2019.

The program also includes an education campaign to help private sector employers better understand the unique skills and experience veterans can offer an organisation, Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliot says.

"If you are doing business in the defence space you should know, veterans are a wonderful asset to your workplace," he said.

Premier Mike Baird, who was also at the announcement, said veterans had many attributes organisations were looking for.

"Think about what our veterans offer in terms of leadership, in terms of character, discipline, courage," he said.

Former Army Major Garth Callender has been appointed to spearhead the government program.

The ex-ADF member, who's served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, said military personnel often struggle with employment when they return home.

"Stable, meaningful employment is an effective way to combat a host of welfare issues that can affect veterans and this program will help ensure that veterans have the opportunity to make an ongoing contribution to our community," he said.