Ageism in the workplace: What every SME employer in Australia needs to know

A practical HR guide to understanding and complying with the Age Discrimination Act 2004

As an employer, remaining compliant with the Fair Age Discrimination Act 2004 is imperative to the functioning of your Australian business. It’s a key piece of Australian legislation and a commitment to fair and inclusive workplaces.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), understanding this legislation is essential to building a diverse team and avoiding costly legal risks.

The Act makes it unlawful to treat someone unfairly because of their age—whether in hiring, promotion, training, or termination—ensuring every employee has equal opportunity to contribute, regardless of their stage in life.