Every effort is required to better secure the wellbeing and safety of older Australians, according to the country's new Age Discrimination Commissioner.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Robert Fitzgerald AM said his priorities are eliminating ageism and age discrimination in Australian workplaces and in the health and social service sectors, improve protections against the abuse of older persons in all its forms, and see Australia's anti-discrimination laws harmonised at state and commonwealth levels.
His comments came as he started the Age Discrimination Commissioner role on April 2, 2024, taking over from Dr Kay Patterson AO.
"There is a plethora of evidence, including from recent Royal Commissions, that clearly demonstrates the wellbeing of older people is not being sufficiently supported in practice," he said.
Mr Fitzgerald said the pending aged care reforms should be seen as just the start, with Australian governments and institutions encouraged to rethink their entire approach to older people across all sectors.
"Older people must be empowered to have a voice, enabled to know their rights, and those in vulnerable or unsafe relationships better protected," he said.
Mr Fitzgerald wanted to see older people's work directly influencing business practices in all workplaces.
"It is clear we are employing more older people, but too many are devalued in the workplace. Australia needs to break this cycle of ageism in our workplaces," he said.
"It is essential we bring down barriers facing older people so they can contribute their talents and experience to the workforce and ensure respectful treatment."
He called for ways to be found to ender abuse by by implementing effective adult safeguarding mechanisms.
The Age Discrimination Commissioner is a statutory position within the Australian Human Rights Commission, established under the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth)
The position is responsible for addressing barriers to equality and participation caused by age discrimination, and protecting Australians of all ages from discrimination on the basis of age in employment, education, accommodation and the provision of goods and services.
