The Prime Minister is facing accusations of hypocrisy after it was revealed his department of over 2000 staff employs just one person over the age of 65.

The government has encouraged aging Australians to remain in the workforce, but when asked at a media conference if they should be setting a better example, the Prime Minister simply said “yes” and refused to elaborate.

The Daily Telegraph also reports Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has just four people over the age of 65 in his department of almost 1000 workers.

National Seniors Chief Advocate Ian Henschke has spoken out against ageism in hiring practices, pointing out over 55s are the largest demographic receiving Newstart payments.

“People can apply for hundreds of jobs and they just don’t get a look-in.

“I’m glad the Prime Minister said ‘yes’ … but one of the things we’ve got to do now is say, ‘well, what are we going to do to fix it?’ It’s all very well to find out what a problem is.”

Mr Henschke has commended the ANZ bank’s plan to publish the age profile of their employees and is advocating for more businesses to do the same.

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Image: Getty/Tracey Nearmy