Robert Fitzgerald commences as Age Discrimination Commissioner

Summary:

Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM has commenced in his role on April 2, 2024. He emphasized the need for a nationally consistent approach to empower older people and ensure their wellbeing and safety. Commissioner Fitzgerald's priorities include eliminating ageism and age discrimination in workplaces and health services, improving protections against older persons' abuse, and harmonizing anti-discrimination laws at state and commonwealth levels. He also stressed the importance of breaking the cycle of ageism in workplaces, ensuring older Australians can contribute their talents and experience, and protecting them from abuse by implementing effective adult safeguarding mechanisms.