Choice for some, but not for all: low-income older workers must be supported

“CPSA welcomes investment in training and re-skilling older people to reduce barriers to staying in the workforce” said CPSA Policy Coordinator, Charmaine Crowe.

“But, CPSA contends the notion that older people have a choice when it comes to their retirement.”

“Many older people do not have a choice about their retirement, either because they do not have enough superannuation, or because jobs are few and far between.”

“A hospitality worker in their 60s, with little super, who cannot afford to reduce their working hours, has not much ‘choice’ but to toil away until at least 65.”

“They will be forced to work another two years once the Age Pension age is lifted to 67, or join the dole queue.”

“High income, high-skilled workers have more flexibility when it comes to reducing their working hours or retiring, because they have saved enough super to live comfortably, with or without work.”

“Older people who choose to work should be supported as much as possible. But older people must also be supported to retire when working is no longer possible.”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716