This photo of a tradie is all over the internet: Find out why Aussies are sharing it!
We understand the value of a good retirement after years of hard work. We're always on the lookout for news that affects our members, specifically retirement-related concerns.
That's why we couldn't help but take notice of this image that's been doing the rounds on the internet. The image features a hardworking tradie holding up a sign that has resonated with many.
The sign reads, 'Only a bloke who's worked in an office his whole life would think you can work until you're 70.'
The photo comes in response to Australia's recent changes to pension eligibility.
The age at which Australians can access their pension has gradually risen from 65 to 67 as of July 1 this year.
This has triggered outrage among blue-collar workers who believe it's unjust to expect people nearing 70 to continue performing physically demanding labour.
Many Aussies feel strongly that this change asks too much of older workers, whose bodies may already feel the wear and tear from years of hard work.
Sharing their thoughts and experiences online, Australians have been voicing their concerns and rallying behind the message in the image.
'My body is just tired, as is my husband's, who is 66. We both need to just rest now. We had planned on retiring at 65. Then they changed the goalposts.' one person wrote in response to the photo.
Another echoed these sentiments, saying, 'I've worked 43 years as a butcher. I'm almost 65 years old, I think I've done enough, and my body agrees.'
Others have argued that politicians cannot truly understand the physical toll that manual labour takes on a person's body, particularly after decades of work.
Many suggested that these decision-makers try spending some time in the shoes of a tradie to get a genuine understanding of the issue at hand.
'The politicians all need to get out of their chairs and do a tradies' job for a week or two, then they will know what a bad back is and realise that the body won't let you work until you are 70.' one commenter proposed.
Another added, 'I would like to see all politicians work a week as a bricklayer, a boilermaker, a plumber, or a builder—doing what we did to 65, they couldn't for a week.'
The current pension eligibility age is 65 years and six months for Australians born between July 1, 1952, and December 31, 1953. For those born after this date, pension access starts no earlier than 66. For anyone born after January 1, 1957, the age will increase to 67 as of July 1.
Macquarie University Professor of Statistics Hanlin Shang suggests that the pension age may need to rise again to 70 by 2050 to keep government spending under control.
Professor Shang highlighted that the extended lifespan of Australians poses a challenge for the government in financing individuals' retirement needs through a pension scheme.
'Less people in the working group and more in retirement will make the old age dependency ratio (OADR) higher.' Professor Shang said.
'What this means is there are fewer working people to support elderly people. And with more elderly people in the population, this will create a burden for the government pension system.'
It's essential to ensure the hardworking men and women who've dedicated their lives to their trade have their voices heard and their concerns addressed.
So, as our government wrestles with these issues, let's keep the conversation going and ensure the rights and concerns are fully considered.
Members, what are your thoughts on the image of the tradie holding the sign about working until the age of 70? Does this image and the sentiments expressed resonate with you?
Share your opinions and feelings about the changes in pension eligibility and the challenges workers face in physically demanding jobs.
That's why we couldn't help but take notice of this image that's been doing the rounds on the internet. The image features a hardworking tradie holding up a sign that has resonated with many.
The sign reads, 'Only a bloke who's worked in an office his whole life would think you can work until you're 70.'
The photo comes in response to Australia's recent changes to pension eligibility.
The age at which Australians can access their pension has gradually risen from 65 to 67 as of July 1 this year.
This has triggered outrage among blue-collar workers who believe it's unjust to expect people nearing 70 to continue performing physically demanding labour.
Many Aussies feel strongly that this change asks too much of older workers, whose bodies may already feel the wear and tear from years of hard work.
Sharing their thoughts and experiences online, Australians have been voicing their concerns and rallying behind the message in the image.
'My body is just tired, as is my husband's, who is 66. We both need to just rest now. We had planned on retiring at 65. Then they changed the goalposts.' one person wrote in response to the photo.
Another echoed these sentiments, saying, 'I've worked 43 years as a butcher. I'm almost 65 years old, I think I've done enough, and my body agrees.'
Others have argued that politicians cannot truly understand the physical toll that manual labour takes on a person's body, particularly after decades of work.
Many suggested that these decision-makers try spending some time in the shoes of a tradie to get a genuine understanding of the issue at hand.
'The politicians all need to get out of their chairs and do a tradies' job for a week or two, then they will know what a bad back is and realise that the body won't let you work until you are 70.' one commenter proposed.
Another added, 'I would like to see all politicians work a week as a bricklayer, a boilermaker, a plumber, or a builder—doing what we did to 65, they couldn't for a week.'
The current pension eligibility age is 65 years and six months for Australians born between July 1, 1952, and December 31, 1953. For those born after this date, pension access starts no earlier than 66. For anyone born after January 1, 1957, the age will increase to 67 as of July 1.
Macquarie University Professor of Statistics Hanlin Shang suggests that the pension age may need to rise again to 70 by 2050 to keep government spending under control.
Professor Shang highlighted that the extended lifespan of Australians poses a challenge for the government in financing individuals' retirement needs through a pension scheme.
'Less people in the working group and more in retirement will make the old age dependency ratio (OADR) higher.' Professor Shang said.
'What this means is there are fewer working people to support elderly people. And with more elderly people in the population, this will create a burden for the government pension system.'
Key Takeaways
- An image of a tradie holding a sign against raising the retirement age has gone viral and gained support from many Australians who oppose pension eligibility changes.
- The sign reads, 'Only a bloke who's worked in an office his whole life would think you can work until you're 70.'
- Many blue-collar workers are angered by the change as physically demanding labour becomes more difficult as they age.
- Australia's pension age rose to 67 on July 1 this year, with research suggesting it will need to rise again to 70 by 2050.
So, as our government wrestles with these issues, let's keep the conversation going and ensure the rights and concerns are fully considered.
Members, what are your thoughts on the image of the tradie holding the sign about working until the age of 70? Does this image and the sentiments expressed resonate with you?
Share your opinions and feelings about the changes in pension eligibility and the challenges workers face in physically demanding jobs.