Older Australians are spending longer in the workforce than ever before, but all too often their contribution is overlooked. Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, the Australian Human Rights Commission is calling on all Australians to recognise the incredible benefits older people offer our society, culture, the economy and so much more.
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.
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.
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.
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the release of the fourth Intergenerational Report, which outlines Australia's changing demographic.
Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan says she's pleased the report recognises the gains older Australians offer by working longer.
"Older workers have the wisdom and experience that so many workplaces need to improve their bottom line. It is essential that we find ways to increase their participation," said Commissioner Ryan.
Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan has welcomed Treasurer Joe Hockey’s reference to the possibility of someone celebrating their 150 year birthday.
“This is a dramatic but important way of reminding all of us that we are living much longer than previous generations and our life spans will continue to lengthen,” said Commissioner Ryan.
Ms Ryan describes the current situation for older workers as “often disastrous”, as people who lose their jobs in their 50s struggle to find new jobs.
National Press Club Address
The Australian Human Rights Commission has urged the government to adopt the recommendations in the Joint Select Committee’s Cybersafety for Seniors: A Worthwhile Journey report.
Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, said, “Awareness and support are crucial, so the Committee’s recommendations about publicising the Broadband for Seniors kiosks and the new cybersafety telephone hotline through traditional forms of media that are older people actually use, are particularly important.”
