Update on Meeting with Age Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson

Earlier this week, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson and I convened our first meeting over coffee. What struck me most about the very personable Dr Patterson is her genuine commitment to fully addressing job ageism. She has read most of the comments from the petition, Let’s Stop Job Ageism, and we were able to briefly discuss some of the emerging themes. Dr Patterson has already met with several executive and professional groups and industry organisations to explore what might be done to level the playing field on selection and recruitment practices as they relate to the employment older people. With a stellar background in education and service to the community, it is clear that Dr Patterson has a strong focus on actually achieving sustainable outcomes. I find those qualities, together with Dr Patterson’s effervescence, comforting and inspiring. We have agreed to next meet in early August 2017. For that meeting, I will be presenting a summary of all of the feedback I have received about job ageism together with some recommendations about next steps. I will also take some evidence of ageist practices that I have experienced such as being asked to provide my age on job applications and/or requests to email 100 points of identification. As always, you are welcome to add to the evidence trail by sharing your own experiences and encouraging others to sign the petition. If you wish to contact me privately, my email address is charweeks036@gmail.com