Australia’s Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan has launched a National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination against older Australians.
Called ‘Willing to Work’ it will also look at discrimination against people with disability. The Inquiry was called by the Attorney-General George Brandis who says there is clear evidence that employment for mature-age Australians is ‘disturbingly low’ and this has a significant cost to the economy. Senator Brandis told the launch he wants Australia to harness the potential of middle-aged workers and get rid of stereotypes.
Susan Ryan says the inquiry is timely and needed. She told the launch we are amidst a demographic revolution that means we are living a generation longer and are healthier for longer. She says too many employers believe workers over fifty won't adapt to change, won't learn new things, won't get on with young employees and will be sick more often and need time off. But none of those prejudices are supported by evidence.
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The inquiry will look at laws and practices that need changing in Australia to prevent age and disability discrimination in the workforce. At present 60 per cent of the complaints the Human Rights Commission receives about age discrimination are about treatment in the workplace or while trying to get work. Susan Ryan wants a major change in attitudes towards older workers.
The Commissioner says some companies letting workers go in their fifties are often doing the wrong thing because they are losing corporate knowledge and contacts. She's also well aware those who lose their jobs through downsizing or restructuring can find it hard to get new work. She's heard of people spending months trying to get work and not getting past an initial phone call.