Public encouraged to participate in Willing to Work inquiry

THE Australian Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the Willing to Work: National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with Disability.  Consultation forums will begin early in July.

The purpose of the Inquiry is to learn more about the kinds of barriers preventing capable older people and people with disability from getting access to the jobs they are qualified for.

“This Inquiry is a rare opportunity for every day Australians to share their insights and personal experiences to help us understand the factors that are holding back older workers and people with disability from participating in the work force and to help identify practical ways to improve access and ensure greater participation,” said Age and Disability Commissioner Susan Ryan. Commissioner Ryan, who was last week appointed Ambassador for Mature Age Workers by the Government, says attitudes need to change.

“We are very keen to engage with employers large and small, across all sectors to understand what changes would encourage them to include more older workers and people with disability in their workforces”.

“The onus is now on all of us to rethink how we see older workers and people with disability and the contributions they can make. They have a great wealth of skills, experience and know-how which can not only help the economy but enrich the nation with benefits for all. The right to work for those who want and need it, belongs to everyone. It is my hope that the Inquiry, when complete, will provide a road map for the way forward.”

The submissions period is open until Friday 4 December 2015.To make a submission, please visit our website:www.humanrights.gov.au/willing-work-how-make-submission. Public consultations are being conducted in every capital city and some regional centres, from July to November 2015, with the first taking place in Canberra on July 6 and 7.

For more information on the consultations and a list of consultation locations and dates please visit: www.humanrights.gov.au/willing-work-consultations

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