Economist slams migration policy
It’s crucial to maintain population levels as Australia continues to grow older, a leading economist tells the ACAA Congress.
A leading economist has warned both major political parties that it is unwise to curb immigration as the population continues to grow older.
The chief economist with CommSec, Craig James told the Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) Congress in Adelaide that the proportion of older Australians was set to reach much higher levels, placing a greater funding burden on Generation Y.
This trend would have a particular impact on the healthcare workforce, Mr James said.
“The key challenge is making sure we have the right number of healthcare professionals coming through,” he said.
“If we can’t meet that demand here in Australia, then we need to go offshore.
“A lot of the politicians are trying to roll back migration levels but that is a mistake when we need to accommodate the needs of an ageing population.”
Mr James also said the government needed to act now to bring about significant reform to its aged care system.
He said there was a wealth of data and reports indicating the need for a new approach to the care of elderly Australians.
“It’s time for the federal government to bring about an evolution in aged care,” he said.
“With the final report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry coming up midway through next year, now is the time for change.”
Mr James warned that change always involves risk but he said the cost of inaction would be high.
“The global financial crisis presented challenges but it also presented a number of opportunities fo rhte people who were able to see things differently,” he said.
