Standing Committee on Employment, Education
and Workplace Relations
Public Hearings in Canberra, October 21
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education
and Workplace Relations will be holding its next public hearings for its
inquiry into issues specific to mature-age jobseekers, in
Canberra
at 9:00am on Thursday 21 October in Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House.
The Chair of the Committee, Dr Brendan Nelson, said: "We have
taken evidence from a number of witnesses telling us about the frustrations
they have experienced in dealing with Centrelink and with Job Network
providers. This public hearing will give Ms Sue Vardon, the CEO of Centrelink,
an opportunity to address these comments.
"Many mature-age workers are facing unemployment for the first time
and often face a significant fall in income on losing a job. Those aged
45-54 are increasingly likely to be supporting children, while others
have been forced to retire early.
"We have heard that many mature-age unemployed people are unfamiliar
with how to access services. Some people are also reluctant to register
with Centrelink and wait until they are in desperate circumstances before
seeking help.
Dr Nelson added: "We are aware that hidden or discouraged unemployment
may result in the plight of many mature-age jobseekers being overlooked.
This creates within them a feeling of alienation.
"Others say they are disadvantaged by the system when they find casual
or part-time work. In declaring earnings from a job, they lose part
of their benefit payments. The combination of reduction in benefit and
income tax on earnings is equivalent to an extremely high effective
tax rate. Some witnesses have described it as 'being taxed at 83%'.
"The Committee aims to identify why some mature age people have difficulties
in regaining employment after they lose their jobs and to find practical
solutions to meet the needs of this age group."
The Committee has received evidence from a number of witnesses at
earlier public hearings in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.
Many of the submissions so far received may be accessed at
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr/OWK/index.htm
or copies can be obtained from the secretariat. Public hearing transcripts
are also available from this site.
Terms of reference
Inquire into the social, economic and industrial issues specific to
workers over 45 years of age seeking employment, or establishing a business,
following unemployment.
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