Australia’s history of immigration has proved to aid the country’s economic growth. However, half of Australia’s recent population growth rate is due to net immigration. Based on various facts about population and immigration– this report will analyse, identify and evaluate what will occur if Australia continues to grow at its current rate as well as providing a sustainable population policy.
A significant problem in many Western countries has arisen – that problem being in an increased life expectancy. With the population aged between 60-64 and 80 and over being recorded with “…the largest growth in Australia,” (Source 7, Growth by Age Group, 2002-2007, lines 2) increasing by 4.7% and 4.6%. The effect of this increase in life expectancy is that there is a larger strain on the working force, due to more demand for health and welfare services as well as a decrease in the number of workers and in turn, tax payers to sustain it. While a simple solution such as a population boom through immigration would greatly lessen the difficulties of an ageing population in the short run by boosting the population pyramid’s base, it really just postpones and magnifies the entire situation for the next generation. The Productivity Commission Research Report (2005) the Economic Implications of an Ageing Australia has proven that it does not solve the problem. A solution has been indicated by the Australian Government and is already leading up to an increase in the age for pension. “…with the retirement age to be edged up from 65 to 67 by 2023.” (Source 15 – Older and working longer, paragraph 3, line 2)
Immigration in Australia has been promoted to help fuel the economy and the ageing population. Regardless of what people say about whether Australia currently is at its optimum population or not, one cannot deny that population rates are increasing dramatically. “… [im]migration will account for 80%...” of the expected 32 million people in Australia by 2050 (Source 16 – Migrant... [continues]
A significant problem in many Western countries has arisen – that problem being in an increased life expectancy. With the population aged between 60-64 and 80 and over being recorded with “…the largest growth in Australia,” (Source 7, Growth by Age Group, 2002-2007, lines 2) increasing by 4.7% and 4.6%. The effect of this increase in life expectancy is that there is a larger strain on the working force, due to more demand for health and welfare services as well as a decrease in the number of workers and in turn, tax payers to sustain it. While a simple solution such as a population boom through immigration would greatly lessen the difficulties of an ageing population in the short run by boosting the population pyramid’s base, it really just postpones and magnifies the entire situation for the next generation. The Productivity Commission Research Report (2005) the Economic Implications of an Ageing Australia has proven that it does not solve the problem. A solution has been indicated by the Australian Government and is already leading up to an increase in the age for pension. “…with the retirement age to be edged up from 65 to 67 by 2023.” (Source 15 – Older and working longer, paragraph 3, line 2)
Immigration in Australia has been promoted to help fuel the economy and the ageing population. Regardless of what people say about whether Australia currently is at its optimum population or not, one cannot deny that population rates are increasing dramatically. “… [im]migration will account for 80%...” of the expected 32 million people in Australia by 2050 (Source 16 – Migrant... [continues]
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