Labor open to tweaking pension rules to help encourage older Australians back into work

Labor will look at changing pension rules to allow older Australians to get back into the work force without impacting their entitlements, the shadow treasurer says.

Under the current rules, pensioners can earn up to $480 a fortnight before losing some of their benefits.

Neil Mitchell says there is a “hidden army” of workers waiting to be used.

Many Australian businesses are struggling to fill positions.

Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said Labor was “taking a look” at whether changes could have a positive impact.

“If there are ways to get more flexibility into the system and to do that responsibly and affordably, then we are certainly up for that conversation,” he said.

Dr Chalmers had a lengthy chat about several election issues with Neil Mitchell on Thursday.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

(Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)