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.
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Ageism is alive and well within the teaching profession. I have listened to male Principals talk about ‘young blood’ or being able to ‘train up the young ones’. Many experienced teachers are still teaching because they love their profession and are still obviously good at what they do (given they are still employed). But more and more the jobs go to young teachers with less experience. Personally, I have just retired because of constant comments about age, negative actions and unfairness in the government system. I am 59 and I love my role as a teacher. I am active and enthusiastic, an administrator and an excellent teacher (according to performance management) but I chose to leave my school because by ignoring the behaviours of sexism and ageism I felt I would be assisting the perpetuation of the problem. I am the mother of two young women and I voted with my feet to make my point. I hope the time will come when people with experience and skills, older workers will be welcomed back into the workforce because they demonstrate a great work ethic.