What did the Federal Government's Jobs and Skills summit reveal?

This forms one of the key initiatives unveiled late last week at the Summit, designed to generate immediate actions to help build a stronger economy.

The one-off income credit of $4,000 will give older Australians the option to work and keep more of their money.

The credit to be used this financial year will be added to the income banks of age pensioners from December 2022, meaning pensioners are eligible to earn $11,800 before their pension is reduced.

National Seniors Australia noted the move marks an important first step in addressing the jobs and skills shortages in the workforce. 

Chief Advocate for National Seniors Australia Ian Henschke said the New Zealand system where pensioners can work as much as they want without losing their pension remains the benchmark.

“It speaks volumes that in New Zealand 25% of people aged 65 and over are still engaged in work, while here in Australia it is just 15%,” Mr Henschke said.

AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver said while some feared the Jobs and Skills Summit was just a talk fest, if it helps resolve the log jam in fixing key problems in the labour market, it’s a good thing.

"It does appear some progress will be made with key moves confirmed or likely in an increase in the permanent immigration cap, increased training, measures to reinvigorate the enterprise bargaining system and allowing pensioners to work extra hours without losing their pension," Mr Oliver said. 

Aside from the announcement of an increase to income credit for pensioners, other key initiatives included:

• An additional $1 billion in joint Federal-State funding for fee-free TAFE in 2023 and accelerated delivery of 465,000 fee-free TAFE places.
• An increase in the permanent Migration Program ceiling to 195,000 in 2022-23 to help ease widespread workforce shortages.
• Extending visas and relaxing work restrictions on international students. 

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