Employer ageism biggest barrier to Sharkie’s private members bill succeeding

A private members bill to allow older Australians to work more hours before getting their pensions docked will need to be accompanied by a concerted campaign to mitigate employer ageism if it is achieve its goals, according to EveryAGE Counts, Australia’s national campaign to end ageism. The private members bill, introduced today by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, would increase the income test threshold for pensioners and is designed to alleviate critical workforce shortages. “We know from the research that around half of Australian businesses say they’re reluctant to recruit workers ‘over a certain age’ – and for most of that group the ‘certain age’ is over 50,” said EveryAGE Count National Campaign Director Marlene Krasovitsky. “So if you’re 65 in a job interview, your chances of getting a fair go are relatively slim. “We are supportive of efforts to allow older Australians who want to work to use their skills and abilities, but removing structural barriers won’t be enough. If we really want to unlock the unquestionable potential of older Australians we need to accept ageism is a massive problem and work hard to break it down. “Although there’s still a long way to go we’ve made huge progress of late against sexism, racism and homophobia. This has been a boon for society and the economy. We can do the same with ageism, but we first need to accept it’s a real problem. “Ageism is the same as any other prejudice: it thrives in the shadows. Right now older employees or job applicants aren’t even confident about naming the ageism they encounter, let alone doing anything about it. And many of the perpetrators are probably blissfully unaware as well. “That’s why we’ve been campaigning hard for a national education program that would help employers and others to know ageism and to name it when they see it. “Our research indicates employers say they prefer young people because they think they’re better able to pick up fresh skills. But we also know older employees say they are keen to upskill or reskill, especially when offered meaningful training opportunities. “If we really want to encourage older Australians who want to contribute back into the workforce we need to make sure they’re competing on a level playing field. Right now that’s simply not the case. Every day older applicants are being written off by employers based simply on their date of birth.”