Age Discrimination in Employment
Understand age discrimination in employment and how older people's right to work is being denied in Australia, affecting economic security and participation.
Summary
The Age Discrimination Commissioner is leading a range of initiatives to help address age discrimination in the workplace and shape a future where age is not a barrier to participation in employment.
National inquiry into employment discrimination
In 2016, the Australian Human Rights Commission released its report, Willing to Work: National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination against Older Australians and Australians with Disability.
The inquiry found that too many people are excluded from work because of assumptions, stereotypes, and myths associated with their age. These beliefs can lead to discrimination during recruitment, in the workplace, and in decisions about training, promotion, and retirement. The impacts are far‑reaching, affecting individuals, communities, and the broader economy.
Age discrimination in a changing workforce
Australia’s population is ageing. Projections indicate that by 2066, between 21% and 23% of the population will be aged 65 years and over.
Almost a decade on from the inquiry, age discrimination remains a significant challenge. It can limit opportunities for older people to participate meaningfully in the workforce, contribute to financial insecurity, and reduce quality of life.
Supporting older people who choose to remain in the workforce is essential. It helps protect their economic and social wellbeing and contributes to a stronger, more resilient workforce and economy. There is an urgent need to increase the labour‑force participation of older Australians.
The Commissioner’s work
Increasing opportunities for mature‑age and older workers, free from discrimination and prejudice, is a key priority for the Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM.
The Commissioner is leading strategic initiatives to build partnerships, strengthen cross‑sector collaboration, and shape a national agenda for an age‑inclusive workforce.
Current areas of work
- Convening a series of roundtable discussions that bring together leaders from government, unions, business, academia, and civil society to explore opportunities and challenges in building an age‑inclusive workforce.
- Collaborating with the Australian Human Resources Institute on multi‑year surveys of employers and HR professionals to understand how organisations view and support age diversity, and to track changing attitudes and practices across Australia’s ageing workforce.
- Engaging with stakeholders across industries, governments, and the community sector to share insights, promote good practice, and support practical strategies that foster age inclusion at work.
Age Discrimination Commissioner
Robert Fitzgerald plays a critical role in addressing barriers to equality and participation caused by age discrimination in Australia.
