paul mallett believes passionately in a fully inclusive city where everyone, including older people and people with disability, are valued and respected as equal and contributing members of our community. paul believes the City of Launceston can double down on efforts supporting older people and people with disability to gain and maintain employment in good work and achieve financial security.

In support of the Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031, and the (transitional) Tasmanian Disability Strategy 2025-27, paul believes the City of Launceston can support community informed planning, cross-sector collaboration, and role model inclusive work practices. The City of Launceston can amplify efforts to shift attitudes toward diversity and ability, and champion inclusive employment as a whole of community value.

To that end, as a champion for inclusive employment, we could:

• Run awareness campaigns that shift attitudes and challenge ableism.
• Celebrate inclusive employers and employee stories in local media.
• Involve business chambers, schools, unions, and civic groups in a shared employment inclusion plan.
• Embed targets for disability inclusion in local economic development strategies.

With respect to older people, we could support:

• Establish skills transition programs in partnership with TasTAFE and UTAS (e.g., digital upskilling, care sector).
• Promote intergenerational mentoring, where older people coach younger workers (and vice versa).
• Encourage part-time, seasonal, and project-based work that suits energy levels and interests.
• Recognise and support voluntary roles and social enterprises as stepping stones to paid work.