The Australian Law Reform Council (ALRC) has released a discussion paper for its inquiry into legal barriers faced by older people participating in the workforce.

 

The inquiry was initiated by the Federal Government in response to the country’s ageing population, with the Commonwealth requesting that the ALRC conduct an investigation into legislation and related legal frameworks that may inhibit or discourage older persons from participating in the workforce.

 

“Following a national round of consultations and having received over 60 submissions to the questions contained in the Issues Paper, the Discussion Paper highlights ALRC thinking to date and puts forward proposals for law reform in the areas of recruitment and employment, work health and safety, insurance, social security, and superannuation,” ALRC’s President Professor Rosalind Coucher said.  

 

“Reform in this area is complex and must address multifaceted and interrelated barriers to workforce participation. The ALRC is suggesting the need for a combination of legislative and regulatory reform, together with measures to increase education and awareness and address perceptions and stereotypes surrounding mature age workers.”

 

The ALRC has invited individuals and organisations to make submissions in response to the 36 proposals and 15 questions in the discussion paper.

 

The discussion paper can be found here

 

Submissions close on 23 December, with a final report being prepared for the Attorney-General in March next year.