Director's Spotlight: Hal Kendig presents at CEDA
Hal Kendig recently presented a paper on aged care policy at a Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) forum in Melbourne. Also presenting was Federal Minister for Ageing, Mitch Fifield.
Professor Kendig's presentation discussed how Australia might make the most of the Living Longer, Living Better reforms by taking a five year view and moving beyond controlled, centralised programs and focus instead on quality of life outcomes.
He also raised the issue that economic restraint and unmet need will require more contributions from those who can afford it. Without this, rationing of services may occur that will disadvantage those most in need.
Professor Kendig argued that "We can do it better, more efficiently through person centred and ‘whole of government’ approaches, with coherent regional systems of support and care."
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'Age Quake' Q&A panel at AIST Conference
John Piggott featured in a Q&A panel hosted by Tony Jones at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees Conference on the Gold Coast in March.
Professor Piggott provided a moderate view on the panel of the so-called 'Age Quake' in Australia, arguing Australia was in a good position to address the issues of population ageing compared to other OECD countries.
"Our age pension is 3.6% of GDP now and is expected to rise to 4.9% of GDP by 2050. In Germany, it is 10% already and expected to rise to 13% by 2050."
"They are two quite different positions. Australia is ageing more slowly and we are in better shape, policy wise, than many of our international counterparts."
Professor Piggott did warn against complacency as we come to the end of the demographic dividend.
"As the working age population gets smaller income tax cuts will become a thing of the past. There is no doubt costs will go up, but with some planning and preparedness, Australia is well placed to meet the challenges."
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