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Age Discrimination

Human Rights don't diminish with age (2022)

As Age Discrimination Commissioner, I have made it my priority during my term to address three major manifestations of age discrimination — elder abuse in the community, older women’s risk of homelessness and age discrimination and the workplace.

Property Council of Australia, National Retirement Living Summit, Keynote Address (2022)

Property Council of Australia, Retirement Living Council

National Retirement Living Summit

20 - 22 June 2022 


Keynote Address

RACV Royal Pines Resort, Benowa, Gold Coast
Tuesday 21 June 2022 

(Check against delivery)

Elder abuse conference to drive positive change

The abuse of older Australians and how to prevent it will be the main focus of the 7th National Elder Abuse Conference this week of which Age Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson AO is the Walk the Talk Ambassador.

Rights of Older Australians: Ageing and Advocacy

Both the study of gerontology and issues of ageing have shaped where I am today and my current role as Age Discrimination Commissioner.

Current and emerging issues for older people

Australians are living longer, healthier and more years free of disability. We also know that, despite negative rhetoric around ‘ageing tsunamis’ and the ‘unsustainable burden’ older people will place on our economy, public health, welfare systems and younger generations, many older Australians are intending to work longer than ever before and many, if they are not working, make an incredible contribution through volunteering.

Launch of Respecting Elders: Support and Conflict Resolution Services

The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Respecting Elders: Support and Conflict Resolution Services.  The new service will be delivered by FMC Mediation and Counselling in partnership with Seniors Rights Victoria and Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC), with a grant by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation's.

Mature Aged Workers

The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO delivered the keynote address at The Australian Industry Group's 2017 PIR (Policy Influence Reform) Conference on 2 May 2017 in Canberra.

The PIR Conference is a leading forum for senior industry people to meet and discuss important contemporary workplace relations and human resources issues. 120-150 senior workplace relations and human resources practitioners from large and significant Ai Group member companies were in attendance.

Exploring the potential of our ageing workforce

Speech given at the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI) Inclusion and Diversity Conference 2017.

AHRI is the national association representing human resource and people management.

Commissioner Patterson AO addressed the issue of age discrimination in the workplace and the role of employers, HR and government in her speech to an audience of 200-250 inclusion and diversity practitioners, HR professionals and senior business leaders. 

National Press Club speech - Susan Ryan

“The ageing revolution is not over” - Last time I spoke here I called my address “the longevity revolution”, and asked, “crisis or opportunity?”. I intended that question as a challenge but it seems my challenge has not been met. We are as a community, still floundering on the crisis side of the binary. Our approach is still steeped in the language of “burden” and “deficits”. We are still failing to realise the opportunities that longevity can create for us.