08.02.2012
Australian Law Reform Commission President, Professor Rosalind Croucher, today welcomed the appointment by the Attorney-General, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, of the Hon Susan Ryan AO as a part-time Commissioner for the ALRC’s inquiry into barriers to work for older persons. Professor Croucher stated, “It is an honour to have Susan Ryan join the ALRC for this inquiry. We are delighted that the ALRC will be able to call on her long-term experience and extensive knowledge in this area.”
Susan Ryan’s appointment to the ALRC follows her appointment as Australia’s first Age Discrimination Commissioner on 30 July 2011. Immediately prior to commencing as Age Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Ryan was the Independent Chair of the IAG and NRMA Superannuation Plan and had been President of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees from 2000 to 2007, a member of the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors from 2001 to 2007, a member of the ASX Corporate Governance Council from 2003 to 2007 and CEO of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia from 1993 to 1997.
From 1975 to 1988, Ms Ryan was Senator for the ACT, in 1983 becoming the first woman to hold a Cabinet post in a federal Labor Government. She served in the Hawke Government as Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women and Special Minister of State.
Ms Ryan stated, “This inquiry presents an important opportunity to review age bars in Commonwealth laws and policies. I expect many of these will be revealed as outdated and unjustified. Identifying outdated age based policies will help inform my advocacy for fair treatment of all, regardless of age.”
People interested in the inquiry are encouraged to subscribe to the e-newsletter, which will be published at regular intervals throughout the inquiry, providing news and updates. The ALRC uses its Twitter feed to update followers about the ALRC’s work.