Standing Committee on Employment, Education
and Workplace Relations
Public Hearing in Canberra, September 23
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education
and Workplace Relations will be holding its next public hearing in
Canberra
for its inquiry into issues specific to mature aged jobseekers at
9:00am
on
Thursday 23 September 1999 in Committee Room
1R3, Parliament
House.
The ACT Chief Minister, Mrs Kate Carnell will discuss issues specific
to the ACT and outline initiatives that the ACT Government has implemented
to assist ACT mature aged jobseekers.
The Chair of the Committee, Dr Brendan Nelson, said: "The Committee
is aware that redundancy programs in Commonwealth and ACT departments
have resulted in changes to the ACT economy. The role of the private
sector has grown as the public sector has decreased.
"Many ACT mature aged jobseekers have used their skills, savings and
even their superannuation to start new ventures such as offering outsourced
services.
"However, the Committee is aware that not all are in positions to
do this. Many people with previous employment in middle management positions
are now finding it difficult to find similar work, especially in the
private sector."
Dr Nelson added: "I understand that the ACT has some innovative programs
to help these mature aged people redefine their lives.
"Evidence shows that early intervention is crucial, before people
become entrenched in long term unemployment. Unfortunately, many mature
aged jobseekers remain unemployed for several years resulting in their
feeling angry and rejected.
"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 to date 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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