Introduction to the Inquiry

Abstract

Contents The Inquiry 15 The Discussion Paper 15 The ageing population—a public policy challenge 16 Terms of Reference 17 Terminology 18 Other inquiries 22 Framing principles 24 Participation 25 Independence 26 Self-agency 27 System stability 28 System coherence 29 Fairness 30 How to make a submission 32 The Inquiry The Discussion Paper 1.1 This document commences the second stage in the consultation processes in this Inquiry into Commonwealth legal barriers to older persons participating in the workforce or other productive work. The first stage included the release of the Issues Paper, Grey Areas—Age Barriers to Work in Commonwealth Laws (ALRC IP 41), generating 63 submissions. 1 Both the Issues Paper and this Discussion Paper may be downloaded free of charge from the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) website, . Hard copies may be obtained on request by contacting the ALRC on (02) 8238 6333. 1.2 In releasing this Discussion Paper the ALRC again calls for submissions to build on the evidence base so far established and to inform the final stage of the deliberations leading up to the final Report, which is to be provided to the Attorney-General by the end of March 2013. The ageing population—a public policy challenge 1.3 Australia's population is ageing. The Productivity Commission described it as 'the quiet transformation, because it is gradual, but also unremitting and ultimately pervasive'. 2 It estimated that by 2044–45, almost one in four Australians will be aged 65 years and over; and in every year between 2012–2028, 'the aged share of the Australian population is projected to increase by more than 0.35 percentage points—an increase around 4 times the long-term average'. 3 1.4 The effect that the ageing of the population may have on 'economic growth, living standards and the sustainability of government finances' has been identified as a major public policy concern. 4 The Productivity Commission described the economic implications of an ageing Australia as 'far-reaching': It will slow Australia's workforce and economic growth, at the very time that burgeoning demands are placed on Australia's health and aged care systems. Unless offsetting action is taken, a gap will open between Government revenue and spending that will need to be closed. Every jurisdiction in Australia is affected in different ways, depending on their specific responsibilities and capacity for raising revenue. Population ageing will require new policy approaches at all levels of government. 5 1.5 The Productivity Commission also found …