For years, Australia’s workforce has been undergoing a quiet transformation. Between 1991 and 2021, the share of workers aged 55 and over, more than doubled, from 9% to 19%¹. What was once a long-term demographic trend, has now accelerated into a pressing workforce reality. In the wake of the pandemic, a notable number of older Australians have returned to the labour market. Approximately 40% of new entrants since 2019 are over 55, with Sydney experiencing even higher figures².