The Australian Human Rights Commission has partnered with the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) to support age-inclusive workplaces across Australia’s small business sector. Both organisations are committed to reducing ageism and age discrimination; and creating age-inclusive workplaces in all sectors of our economy, including in small businesses.
The initiative will deliver tailored education, research and practical resources to help small businesses build age-inclusive workplaces.
With around 2.7 million small businesses operating nationally, the partnership will help deliver age discrimination education and practical guidance at scale.
COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio said: ‘Small business owners hire on capability. What most are short on is time, and clear guidance on what the law actually asks of them. This partnership gives owners practical, plain-English help to get age inclusion right, built around how small businesses really operate.’
Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM said ‘The partnership represents a crucial step in supporting small businesses to build fair, age inclusive and productive workplaces in all areas of our economy.'
This partnership will deliver:
· National research identifying barriers small businesses face and informing future policy development
· Tailored educational resources explaining small business obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 and Age Discrimination Act 2004
· Practical guidance on inclusive hiring and retention practices
· Workshops and webinars equipping business owners to manage diverse teams
· Real-world case studies illustrating common compliance issues and solutions designed for small business contexts.
‘Small businesses are competing hard for good people, and there is a real opportunity to make better use of the skills and experience of workers at every age. Getting this right is fair, and it is also one of the most practical answers to the staff shortages our members raise with us every week,’ Ms Cappuccio said.
‘Ageism limits opportunity for workers at all career stages. This initiative gives small businesses the tools to move beyond stereotypes and focus on capability so they reap the rewards of an age-diverse workforce,’ Commissioner Fitzgerald said.
The initiative is supported by funding from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations under the Productivity, Education and Training Fund.
Contact details:
[email protected] or 0457 281 897 (calls only, no texts)