General News
14 March, 2024
Pensioners finding it hard to work
Despite a nation-wide worker shortage, especially from skilled workers, pensioners who are willing and able to work are finding it very difficult to do so due to the requirements of Centrelink and Services Australia.
Looking to supplement her pension, keep mentally active and maintain social connections, Warwick resident Sue Tankey took up a one day a week job at St Francis de Sales School Clifton.
Sue has, as do many other pensioners, tertiary qualifications and specific skills which are highly sought after in the workplace.
She works on Friday at reception, helping out the school.
Despite the job only being one day a week, Sue said she has been subject to an “ongoing onslaught” from Services Australia, constantly calling and requiring payslips to be handed in.
An example of the hefty strain placed by Services Australia upon pensioners wanting to work happened to Sue just last week.
“I received a message in message bank saying we (Services Australia) will be calling you at 3.15pm,” she said.
“I waited and waited. They didn’t ring at all.”
Sue is not happy with the in-person interactions she has had as well.
After some unpleasant experiences with the staff at the Warwick Services Australia office, she now travels to the next closest office, at Stanthorpe, which is a 40 minute drive each way.
Sue is appreciative of the staff at Stanthorpe who she said treat her appropriately and with respect.
Work is about more than just the pay cheque for Sue.
She is relatively new to the area, having lived in Warwick for only two and a half years.
She also lives alone, and fines the social interaction she has through work beneficial to her.
There is also a benefit, of course, to employers, many of whom find it difficult to find skilled staff, especially for part-time and casual positions.
Towns like Clifton, with a population significantly older than in the city, have many pensioners who could fill these roles.
Sue said the whole experience has made her feel like she is on the brink of a breakdown.
“I feel like I’m standing on one leg, ready to fall over,” she said.
In an effort to campaign to Services Australia to improve the way they treat pensioners who work, Sue is hoping to pursue the matter with local Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud.
She encourages anyone who has had similar concerns and/or treatment to contact her at suzannetankey7@gmail.com
“The only caveat I would put on that is that anyone contacting me via email must ensure they “stick to the facts only” regarding their experience/s with Services Australia,” she said.
Find out more: If you’re 65 or over and want to work, you’re far better off in New Zealand than Australia
