24 June 2015

New Ambassador for Mature Age Employment

Note

Joint media release
with the Hon Luke Hartsuyker
Assistant Minister for Employment

Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey and Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker today announced the creation of the Ambassador for Mature Age Employment and the appointment of Susan Ryan AO to the position.

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.

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.

While our participation rates of mature workers have increased sharply over the last decade, we can do better.

Ms Ryan, Australia’s current Age and Disability Commissioner, has been a strong advocate for mature aged job seekers throughout her career.

As the Ambassador for Mature Age Employment, Ms Ryan will help drive greater awareness amongst employers of the business benefits of hiring older workers and help open new doors for job seekers.

The new Ambassador position builds on the Government’s incentive for employers and mature age job seekers through the $10,000 Restart Wage Subsidy.

As part of the Budget, we have made 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.

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, contact a local jobactive organisation or Disability Employment Services provider by calling 13 17 15 or visit the Restart website.