Government Creates Mature Age Employment Ambassador
29 June 2015 at 12:31 pm
Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has announced the creation of the Ambassador for Mature Age Employment and the appointment of Susan Ryan AO to the position.
Ryan, who is Australia’s current Age and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, will be responsible for driving “greater awareness amongst employers of the business benefits of hiring older workers and help open new doors for job seekers”, according to Hockey.
“The Australian Government is committed to helping older workers to enter and remain connected to the workforce. As a nation with an ageing population we cannot afford to let the considerable skills and experience of older job seekers go to waste,” Hockey said.
“It is not just the wisdom, skills and experience of older Australians that can benefit employers; older Australians also contribute maturity and stability to workplaces.”
Hockey said Australia needed to do more to encourage participation of older people in the workforce.
“While our participation rates of mature workers have increased sharply over the last decade, we can do better,” he said.
“Ms Ryan, Australia’s current Age and Disability Commissioner, has been a strong advocate for mature aged job seekers throughout her career.
“The new Ambassador position builds on the Government’s incentive for employers and mature age job seekers through the $10,000 Restart Wage Subsidy.”
Hockey said the Government hoped the Budget would make it easier for employers to take advantage of Restart. From 1 November, an employer who takes on an eligible job seeker aged 50 or over can receive the $10,000 subsidy over 12 months down from 24 months.
“Recognising the importance of steady cash flow for business, employers will also receive payments on a fortnightly basis rather than after six months as is the case now,” he said.
“Restart has helped over 1,600 mature aged job seekers to return to the workforce and reduced the costs of hiring for employers.”
To learn more about the Restart wage subsidy call 13 17 15 or visit the Restart website.
