AC99 - Newsletter and IYOP Initiatives

	Newsletter and IYOP Initiatives Australian Coalition '99

AC '99 UPDATE - EDITION No. 6 (February 1999)
FEDERAL Initiatives

A MESSAGE FROM FEDERAL AGED CARE MINISTER BRONWYN BISHOP

Welcome to the International Year of Older Persons. I am delighted to be appointed as the minister responsible for Australia's contribution to this very important International Year as we approach the new millennium. I believe 1999 will mark the beginning of a cultural change in this country that will mean we value older Australians for their continuing contribution to our community, not just what they have done in the past. In recognition of the importance of the International Year of Older Persons, the Federal Government wants 1999 to result in tangible and lasting benefits for older people.

To complement this activity, I will be working hard to develop the Government's National Strategy for an Ageing Australia to ensure that a long-term view is taken of the needs of older Australians. The Strategy will also provide individuals with better information on which to base their own decisions about ageing.

Australia's population is ageing. There are now 2.2 million people aged 65 years or over (12% of population). In 20 years' time there will be about 4 million people in this demographic.

The ageing of our population is often seen as a negative issue, but my view is the reverse. An ageing society is a triumph of healthier lifestyles and improved living conditions. Our older people are better educated, have better health and more financial resources than previous generations.

Ageing is something we all do from the time we are born and I want Australians to see our society as a whole society, integrated, not marginalised, with everybody contributing and older people valued for their wisdom.

I would urge all Australians to take the time to acknowledge the impact that older people have on their lives, while at the same time think about ways we can improve the health and wellbeing of older people. One issue that people will want to consider is working longer and retiring later. Indeed the Federal Government has put in place a policy that if eligible people defer taking the age pension and continue working full-time, they can look forward to a lump sum, tax-free payment.

The Federal Government is supporting a number of projects and events during 1999. I believe the work of Australian Coalition '99 and its network of partners will help make the International Year a success and assist in beginning this cultural change.

I want people in their later years to see that life is to be enjoyed and not endured.

Bronwyn Bishop
Minister for Aged Care