Publications > Press Articles 2002

Workforce issues key to successful ageing policies

Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper, February 2003, p4

Increasing workforce participation amongst older workers is good both for individuals, for younger generations, and the economy, according to both COTA and National Seniors, who are now in partnership.

Both made this point in their individual submissions to the House of Representatives inquiry into long term strategies to address the ageing of the Australian population over the next 40 years. Each organisation stressed how Australia was well placed to meet the challenges of an ageing population, and refuted talk of economic and social crisis. However while the basics of successful ageing were in place, forward planning and management for our changing demographics was needed now.

COTA pointed to the need for a sound economy, a stable and harmonious society and a sustainable environment, as well as specific retirement income, health and aged care policies.

"Australia has the opportunity to create an age friendly community which recognises the value and contribution of its seniors. This can be achieved without disadvantage to younger members of the community - a society for all ages", the COTA submission claims.

National Seniors decries the claims of future costs for an ageing society, and sees older Australians "not as a drain but as active contributors to society." Equating ageing with spiralling health costs is misleading. "Rather than 'old age' itself, it is disability and poor health which is associated with increased medical spending. As for social security costs " the vast majority of older Australians are healthy, active and live independently in the community."

National Seniors calls for employment promotion for older people, with retraining older workers to match the needs of employers, and incentives to keep seniors in the workforce.

"By harnessing the current and future potential of its older population. Australia would become a model of best practice, " National Seniors claims.

COTA points out that mature age employment opportunities must be increased, to offset the declining younger workforce, maintain the income tax base and contribute to greater productivity, as well as allowing workers the capacity to provide for themselves in later age.

This important inquiry still has more studies to undertake, and will be watched keenly by the new COTA National Seniors Partnership. It will respond to the Inquiry's report and recommendations, on behalf of its 270,00 plus (and growing ) membership and 1500 member organisations.

If you want to check out the Inquiry's work - and submissions - on the web, go to www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ageing/strategies/index.htm