Age discrimination isn't restricted to the workplace. Our governments continue to unashamedly develop policies that discriminate on the basis of age. A recent example of blatant age discrimination can be found in the government's terms of reference to the Productivity Commission for 'reforms' in Aged Care and Disability Care.

In a nutshell anybody over 65 must be treated less favorably, and ditto anybody under 65 who has what the government considers 'a disability acquired as part of the natural ageing process'.

Because you haven't established that it is irrational prejudice in the first place. You don't pay a 16 year old the same as you employ a professional electrician do you? So what makes you think it's "prejudice" to "discriminate against" the younger person? The fact that older people aren't employed as much doesn't automatically mean that the employers are irrationally prejudiced. There's always the possibility that they know what they're doing and you don't!

Need more on this topic. There is the work issues, the Higher Education issues, the stark social and economic issues and of course the civic wellbeing issues.

Of these I find DEEWR, Job Providers have poor linkages to Universities where many of middle age or Elder Australians could make an enormous contribution. Lack of access generally with poor Commonwealth funding policy structures - assistance or loan schemes for PhD for example.

Why would Elder Australians want to begin first year all over again or drop the discipline of their career, negate their own whole life experience because there is no pathway to further their expertise in streaming ongoing opportunities in higher research and education.

Why does funding Assistance cut-off at PhD less you win a scholarship.

Why does Australia negate it need for innovation on the eve of this aging boom?

How many middle aged or elder Australians could contribute to further study if there was a whole systemic approach that included their needs rather then excluded them.

The knowledge Nation concept needs a revamp. The Bradley report needs to put equity and access inside the policies that target the needs of middle aged or elder Australians.

I had had so much hope at the begining of all the announcements in education. Presently I find the tasks, as reflected above incomplete when it comes to authenic access and opportunity for middle-age and Elder Australians.

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miacat
Why don't you fund old people to do PhDs?

And why don't you employ them if you think they are underemployed? There is all that talent going to waste. You could do good and do well at the same time. Why don't you?