Page 4274 - Week 13 - Thursday, 19 November 2015

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as a smart and progressive city widely acknowledged for its vibrant and distinctive civic lifestyle, sustainability and prosperity.

While the statement will primarily be taken into account by the Environment and Planning Directorate in performing its planning duties, there is also a strong role for all ACT government directorates, industry groups and the broader community to play and achieve the intent that I envisage. If we are truly serious about achieving the type of transformational change in our cities and for the environment that future generations should richly inherit, we must not talk about the problems but ensure that we collaborate on the solutions as well.

Mature workforce strategy—statement of intent

Paper and statement by minister

MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Parking, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for Children and Young People and Minister for Ageing): For the information of members, I present the following paper:

Mature Workforce Strategy—Statement of Intent.

I ask leave to make a statement in relation to the paper.

Leave granted.

MR GENTLEMAN: This statement was developed by the ACT government in collaboration with the Illawarra Retirement Trust Foundation and the Australian Human Rights Commission. Canberra’s ageing population will provide some significant challenges in the future as older Canberrans and older Australians as well enjoy the benefits of a longer and more active life and a better standard of health than ever before. These benefits will influence the decision making of older workers to remain in the workforce for a longer period, well after they reach the current traditional retirement age.

Continuity of employment in the lives of mature age workers can foster new levels of self-worth to an individual and develop a valuable flow-on effect in the workplace with the productive output of mature age workers contributing to economic prosperity. Older Canberrans may wish at some point to transition from paid work to other productive activities such as supporting their families or volunteering and getting involved in community activities. It is with this in mind that the ACT government recognises the importance of making sure government, business, community organisations and individuals value the benefit of older people participating in economic and social life.

Members would recall the release of the intergenerational report by the commonwealth Treasury on 5 March this year. The report contained critical data about Australia’s ageing population and established that the longevity revolution is underway in every jurisdiction. It identified that life expectancy is expected to significantly increase. The number of Australians aged 65 is projected to double by


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