NSW Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally, today announced the Iemma Government’s plan for demographic change and ageing – Towards 2030: Planning for our changing population.
"The ‘seniors’ we have to plan for to prevent a budget crisis in 2030 are people in their 30s, 40s and 50s today. The ageing population is not an issue just for older people," Ms Keneally said.
"The number of people in NSW aged over 65 will double by 2030, while the number over 100 will go from 1,300 today to 7,800 -we need a plan for a state with more people over 65 than under 14.
"If we don’t plan now for the growing number of older people, NSW Treasury tells us that the state budget will have a $14 billion hole in it by 2030.
"That’s why we are putting in place our short, medium and long term response to these issues now - "Towards 2030 is our plan for today so that we are ready for tomorrow.
Ms Keneally said that Towards 2030 will focus the NSW Government on the actions needed to prepare for the impacts of ‘population ageing.’
"Supporting a large and growing group of older people and keeping our budget intact is a challenge for government, business and the community," Ms Keneally said.
"The reality is that while people will be living longer and healthier lives, that demographic change will place additional pressure on government and other services.
"That includes in the areas of transport, health, community care and housing – we are paving the way forward to address those challenges."
Ms Keneally said that Towards 2030 identifies five areas in which NSW will get prepared:
• Getting in early: planning for change
• Improving prevention and early intervention
• A productive, skilled and adaptable workforce
• Facilitating participation in all areas of society
• Providing quality care and support
Ms Keneally said that the strategy builds on ideas and issues raised as part of the Ageing 2030 – Creating our future Roundtable which was hosted in October 2007.
"Ageing 2030 brought together around 120 key decision makers and experts from government, community, business and academia to help set priorities to meet the needs of people over 65 into the future – now this is translating into action," Ms Keneally said.
"We are working now on practical actions to help older people stay independent, mobile and involved in their community."
Further information on Towards 2030: Planning for our changing population will be available at www.dpc.nsw.gov.au.