Age Discrimination Commissioner

Summary

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Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM is a highly respected lawyer and advocate. In recognition of his significant contributions and commitment to social justice and community services he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994.

Experience

Commissioner Fitzgerald brings extensive leadership and policy expertise from across legal, government and the community sectors. A commercial lawyer by background, he has also had a long and dedicated career in public service, holding several significant roles, including:

• New South Wales Ageing and Disability Commissioner
• Australian Productivity Commissioner
• NSW Community and Disability Services Commissioner
• Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

He has held board roles in the non-government sector for over 40 years, including:

• President, Australian Council of Social Service
• NSW State President, St Vincent de Paul Society
• Deputy Chair, Benevolent Society
• Board Member, Social Ventures Australia (current)
• Chair, Caritas Australia (current).

Education

Commissioner Fitzgerald holds degrees in Commerce and Law from the University of New South Wales and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

We all have the right to live and age with respect, dignity and security. Our rights should not diminish just because we add years to our life. Ageism, abuse and discrimination are the enemies of positive ageing.

Commissioner Fitzgerald

At the Commission

Commissioner Fitzgerald leads efforts to protect Australians from discrimination on the basis of age and to combat ageism across key sectors.

His priorities include:

• ensuring positive and inclusive workplace experiences for people of all ages including mature and older workers
• enhancing the rights of older people to live free from all forms of abuse and mistreatment
• reducing ageism, particularly in key social sectors such as health and aged care
• strengthening national and international human rights frameworks for people of all ages
• promoting the rights of First Peoples and culturally diverse people as they age.

Commissioner Fitzgerald is advancing these key priorities across society through cross-sectoral collaborations using the energy and expertise of government, business and civil society leaders, and organisations.

Ageism is a barrier to older people realising their rights and being fully valued for who they are. Not simply for whom they have been, or what they have done. 

Robert Fitzgerald AM