Australia: The Conning of Age

Australia faces a relatively favourable demographic future: ageing is proceeding at a slower pace here, the pattern of the labour force ageing is conducive to restructuring in the intermediate future, and a well-established immigration policy can be used to accommodate demographics with social and economic goals. The financing of social services for the aged will produce fewer concerns here partly because of less immediate demographic pressures and partly because of the orientation of the age-pension system. Provided there are increasing investments in today's youth, then chances of longer term productivity retardation from ageing will be lessened and the necessary funding base for aged welfare secured.