Post by Banjo on Jul 30, 2011 18:35:32 GMT 7
Older folk get advocate for fair work and play
AUSTRALIA'S first ever Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, will focus on breaking down employers' reluctance to hire older workers and facilitating the wish of most ageing people to live out their last years in their own homes.
Ms Ryan, a Hawke government minister who will today be appointed to the newly created post, says she wants to change the "cultural stereotype" of older people as having outlived their usefulness to society.
"The view seems to be if you're over 50, you can't do this; if you're over 60, you can't to that; and if you're over 70, you can't do anything," the 68-year-old tells The Weekend Australian.
"But we all know older people who are capable of making a huge contribution to both work and society in general."
Ms Ryan's new role also extends to ensuring young people are not discriminated against on the basis of age, and she says they need to be made more aware of their rights, particularly in the workplace.
But in a rapidly ageing society, Ms Ryan says helping older people work longer if they want to will be her first order of business.
"Older people want to be useful, they want to be engaged, and there's also the question of their financial security," the former president of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees says.
"Most people retiring now, particularly women, simply don't have enough in super savings, so enabling them to work for longer is a win-win. Employers retain their skills, the government gets national participation and productivity levels up, and the people themselves are ready and able to contribute.
"Older people's health and wellbeing improves when they are engaged in the workplace."
Her other priority is to assist older people to "age in place", living out their later years in their own homes for as long as possible.
"Staying at home is their top choice. If a home needs to be reconfigured with a ramp or help getting them up and down stairs, this should be made easier than it currently is."
Federal attorney-general Robert McClelland welcomed Ms Ryan's appointment, saying she would be a "dedicated advocate" for both older and younger Australians facing discrimination on the basis of age.
"This includes discrimination in getting a job or applying for a promotion, enrolling at a TAFE or university, applying to rent a house, or using services such as a bank," Mr McClelland said.
The government is providing $4 million over four years to the Australian Human Rights Commission to fund the position.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin said Ms Ryan was a key player in the introduction of the 1984 Sex Discrimination Act.
"I look forward to the new commissioner's advocating for fairness and inclusion for all Australians, regardless of their age," Ms Macklin said.
www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/older-folk-get-advocate-for-fair-work-and-play/story-fn59niix-1226104588758
AUSTRALIA'S first ever Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, will focus on breaking down employers' reluctance to hire older workers and facilitating the wish of most ageing people to live out their last years in their own homes.
Ms Ryan, a Hawke government minister who will today be appointed to the newly created post, says she wants to change the "cultural stereotype" of older people as having outlived their usefulness to society.
"The view seems to be if you're over 50, you can't do this; if you're over 60, you can't to that; and if you're over 70, you can't do anything," the 68-year-old tells The Weekend Australian.
"But we all know older people who are capable of making a huge contribution to both work and society in general."
Ms Ryan's new role also extends to ensuring young people are not discriminated against on the basis of age, and she says they need to be made more aware of their rights, particularly in the workplace.
But in a rapidly ageing society, Ms Ryan says helping older people work longer if they want to will be her first order of business.
"Older people want to be useful, they want to be engaged, and there's also the question of their financial security," the former president of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees says.
"Most people retiring now, particularly women, simply don't have enough in super savings, so enabling them to work for longer is a win-win. Employers retain their skills, the government gets national participation and productivity levels up, and the people themselves are ready and able to contribute.
"Older people's health and wellbeing improves when they are engaged in the workplace."
Her other priority is to assist older people to "age in place", living out their later years in their own homes for as long as possible.
"Staying at home is their top choice. If a home needs to be reconfigured with a ramp or help getting them up and down stairs, this should be made easier than it currently is."
Federal attorney-general Robert McClelland welcomed Ms Ryan's appointment, saying she would be a "dedicated advocate" for both older and younger Australians facing discrimination on the basis of age.
"This includes discrimination in getting a job or applying for a promotion, enrolling at a TAFE or university, applying to rent a house, or using services such as a bank," Mr McClelland said.
The government is providing $4 million over four years to the Australian Human Rights Commission to fund the position.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin said Ms Ryan was a key player in the introduction of the 1984 Sex Discrimination Act.
"I look forward to the new commissioner's advocating for fairness and inclusion for all Australians, regardless of their age," Ms Macklin said.
www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/older-folk-get-advocate-for-fair-work-and-play/story-fn59niix-1226104588758
