Post by Banjo on Apr 15, 2015 17:57:09 GMT 7
Inquiry to examine 'disturbingly low' job rate for older Australians
Human Rights Commission to also investigate obstacles faced by people with disabilities in obtaining and retaining work
The Human Rights Commission will investigate the “disturbingly low” rate of employment for older Australians and people with disabilities in a wide-ranging national inquiry.
The inquiry aims to identify the obstacles they face in obtaining and retaining work, and whether these systemic problems impinge on their human rights.
The age and disability discrimination commissioner, Susan Ryan, launched the inquiry alongside attorney general George Brandis, a vocal critic of the commission, on Wednesday.
“The evidence is clear and undeniable: employment rates for older Australians and people with a disability remain at disturbingly low levels and that is largely as a result of discrimination,” Brandis said.
“This is not just about them. It is about all of us and how as a nation, we want to treat our fellow Australians.”
Ryan advocated for the introduction of employment targets for people with disabilities in the public service, saying they are a “good approach” to boosting employment rates. Less than 3% of staff in the public sector have a disability.
“The commonwealth as an employer has taken its eye off the ball,” Ryan said.
She said there is a “very large number” of older people who are denied jobs simply because of “outdated myths” about older workers, such as that they cannot learn new skills, or are more likely to take sick leave.
“We know that these prejudiced kinds of attitudes are prevalent in the workplace,” she said.
Jobseekers over the age of 50 are unemployed for two or three times as long as younger people, despite the fact younger people stay in jobs for a shorter period of time, Ryan said.
The recent intergenerational report highlighted the challenges of an ageing population, and the federal government plans to increase the retirement age to 70.
“We have an obligation to the next generation to ensure that we capitalise on the potential and lost opportunity of that demographic,” Brandis said.
“The right to work is a core part of the enjoyment of individual rights and liberties. Where the right to work, free from discrimination, is affected, other rights become less meaningful, less able to be achieved,” the attorney general said.
“The importance of gainful employment cannot be [overstated]. It provides a sense of self-worth and of being able to make a contribution to the community.”
The commission will report back to Brandis in July next year.
www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/apr/15/inquiry-to-examine-disturbingly-low-job-rate-for-older-australians
Human Rights Commission to also investigate obstacles faced by people with disabilities in obtaining and retaining work
The Human Rights Commission will investigate the “disturbingly low” rate of employment for older Australians and people with disabilities in a wide-ranging national inquiry.
The inquiry aims to identify the obstacles they face in obtaining and retaining work, and whether these systemic problems impinge on their human rights.
The age and disability discrimination commissioner, Susan Ryan, launched the inquiry alongside attorney general George Brandis, a vocal critic of the commission, on Wednesday.
“The evidence is clear and undeniable: employment rates for older Australians and people with a disability remain at disturbingly low levels and that is largely as a result of discrimination,” Brandis said.
“This is not just about them. It is about all of us and how as a nation, we want to treat our fellow Australians.”
Ryan advocated for the introduction of employment targets for people with disabilities in the public service, saying they are a “good approach” to boosting employment rates. Less than 3% of staff in the public sector have a disability.
“The commonwealth as an employer has taken its eye off the ball,” Ryan said.
She said there is a “very large number” of older people who are denied jobs simply because of “outdated myths” about older workers, such as that they cannot learn new skills, or are more likely to take sick leave.
“We know that these prejudiced kinds of attitudes are prevalent in the workplace,” she said.
Jobseekers over the age of 50 are unemployed for two or three times as long as younger people, despite the fact younger people stay in jobs for a shorter period of time, Ryan said.
The recent intergenerational report highlighted the challenges of an ageing population, and the federal government plans to increase the retirement age to 70.
“We have an obligation to the next generation to ensure that we capitalise on the potential and lost opportunity of that demographic,” Brandis said.
“The right to work is a core part of the enjoyment of individual rights and liberties. Where the right to work, free from discrimination, is affected, other rights become less meaningful, less able to be achieved,” the attorney general said.
“The importance of gainful employment cannot be [overstated]. It provides a sense of self-worth and of being able to make a contribution to the community.”
The commission will report back to Brandis in July next year.
www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/apr/15/inquiry-to-examine-disturbingly-low-job-rate-for-older-australians