ALRC spotlight on age discrimination in the workforce

8 February 2012

The Hon Susan Ryan AO will shine a spotlight on age discrimination as part of an Australian Law Reform Commission review of Commonwealth legislation and policies that create barriers for older people participating in the workforce or other productive work.

I have appointed Australia's first Age Discrimination Commissioner, the Hon Susan Ryan to the Australian Law Reform Commission to lend her expertise to this important work.

make her eminently qualified to advise the Government on how best to promote and protect the participation of older Australians in the workforce.

This review will contribute to meeting the Governments commitment within Australia's Human Rights Framework to review existing legislation for consistency with Australis human rights obligations.

Terms of reference for the inquiry will be released shortly.

Media contact: Attorney-General's Office - (02) 6277 7300

The Hon Susan Ryan AO

Commissioner Ryan was appointed as Australis first Age Discrimination Commissioner on 30 July 2011 for a five year ter  Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she was Womes Ambassador for ActionAid Australia, and chaired the Australian Human Rights Group since 2008 and the Australian Human Rights Act Campaign Inc. since 2005.

From 1975 to 1988, Commissioner Ryan served in senior portfolios in the Hawke Government as Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women and Special Minister of State As Education Minister, she pioneered extensive anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation, including the landmark Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Affirmative Action Act 1986.

In 1990, Commissioner Ryan was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to Parliament. She has also held a number of leadership positions at the University of New South Wales.