The Intergenerational Report released by the Treasurer this week outlines the big challenges facing Northern Rivers residents and Australia over the next 40 years, Page MP Janelle Saffin said.

Janelle said the report, Australia to 2050: Future Challenges, details important issues like an ageing population, escalating pressures on the health system, and the environmental and economic challenges of climate change.

“These things will put a lot of pressure on our economy, on living standards here in the Northern Rivers and the federal budget over the next 40 years.
“That’s why it’s so important that we start to tackle these challenges now – the longer we leave it the more difficult it will get.

“The proportion of Australia’s population aged 65 and over is projected to almost double over the next 40 years.

“Today there is 5 working-aged people for every person aged 65 and over but by 2050 this will be almost cut in half – down to only 2.7 people.”

Janelle said the best way to deal with these challenges was to boost our economic productivity by working smarter and being more efficient, and that does not mean all of us working more hours or harder, but by having the best skilled and qualified workforce and essential infrastructure.

“That’s why the Rudd Government is investing now in vital infrastructure including the Grafton and Lismore Base Hospital upgrades, the pool project at Evans Head, the redevelopment of the Casino town centre, local community infrastructure projects such as local roads, and black spots, the Ballina and Alstonville Bypasses, rolling out the National Broadband Network, extra places for skills and training, the Education Revolution and cutting business red tape.

“Every local school hall we're building and every local infrastructure project, like the pool project at Evans Head, is a down payment on a more productive Australia and will help tackle some of the challenges this report highlights.

“The steps we take now to boost workforce participation and provide incentives and reward for those Australians who choose to remain in the workforce in their later years are critical.

“That’s why the Rudd Government is determined to tackle the big future challenges, so we can leave a stronger, fairer and healthier Australia to future generations.”