Scheme allowing seniors to work in tourism and hospitality sector to be permanent
A federal scheme which permits seniors to work in the tourism sector without affecting their aged pension is being made permanent.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A scheme rolled out as the pandemic ended, allowing older Australians to take jobs in the tourism sector and still receive a pension, has been so successful it’s being made permanent.
Part of the $48m Supporting Tourism and Travel package introduced in 2022, changes to the Work Bonus program have been credited with a 14.4 per cent increase in the number of pensioners employed in the sector.
In the same period, from December 2022 to June 2023, wages earned by pensioners jumped 21 per cent, or $155m, compared to the previous corresponding period.
Among the operators to benefit from the scheme, is Barry Iddles, owner of Restaurant 350Q in Queenscliff, Victoria.
He said after Covid-19, when staff were thin on the ground, he went about rebuilding his workforce with a mixture of seniors and juniors, which had worked a treat.
“I thought, ‘I’m nearly 70 and I work 14 to 15 hours a day. I’m sure there would be others like me out there with plenty of energy who don’t want to sit around singing Kumbaya,’” Mr Iddles said.
“My oldest worker is 79. She’s an absolute cracker, swims every morning, she’s super fit.
“Then there’s Ken, he’s 72. His wife came in and said, ‘My husband was going to apply but he doesn’t have a resume.’ He’s fantastic. Taken to hospitality like a duck to water.”
Mr Iddles said the ability for seniors to earn up to $11,800 without affecting their pensions, up from $4000 previously was a big help.
“I’d love it if our government was the same as those in New Zealand and Canada where they take the view that seniors have paid taxes all their lives and any work after retirement shouldn’t affect their pension at all,” Mr Iddles said.
Another beneficiary of the scheme, Paronella Park in far north Queensland, credited their award-winning success to their older workforce, with 20 per cent of staff aged over 55.
Owners Mark and Judy Evans said they were lucky to employ retired farmers and tradies who brought a “strong work ethic”.
“They are committed and enjoy what they do, and this translates into a great experience for our guests,” said Ms Evans.
Tourism Minister Don Farrell said it was clear the government’s changes to the Work Bonus were giving older Australians more choice and flexibility to participate in the workforce.
“Connecting experienced workers with our tourism sector when it was rebuilding its workforce after the pandemic made perfect sense,” Senator Farrell said. “I am very pleased to see that our campaign made a such a significant impact and very positive difference.”
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said making permanent changes to Work Bonus would give older Australians further incentive to take up work, or work more hours and continue to share their knowledge, skills and work experience.
“These changes are helping to ensure pensioners know they are supported and rewarded if they choose to work,” she said.
Senator Farrell said the sector still needed more workers, and he encouraged jobseekers, “young and not so young” to choose tourism.
“Australia’s tourism sector offers exciting jobs in amazing places, sharing the best of our country with visitors,” Senator Farrell said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Scheme allowing seniors to work in tourism and hospitality sector to be permanent
US tariff risk to SA farmers
Hopes that interest rates could begin to fall are injecting optimism into the SA economy, but Trump’s tariffs pose as a serious threat to the state’s farmers.
Markets shaky as China retaliates to US tariffs
China’s swift retaliation with its own tariffs on prime US commodities from oil to agriculture, tech and energy has rattled markets.