In the 20 years since the first World Assembly on Ageing, the proportion of the Australian population over 65 has increased from 9.6% to 12%. In the next 20 years, it will grow to 18%; and by 2051, it will exceed one-quarter of the population.

Ageing is a significant common issue that brings us together in Madrid. While we do not pretend that our experience in Australia is universal, we hope we may learn from one another, acknowledging our differences, but noting that which unites us - most importantly, our common humanity - is greater than that which divides us.
 

Ageing is not an illness, it is a life journey to be embraced and celebrated.

In appointing a specific Minister for Ageing, the Australian Government recognizes that the social, economic and cultural trends associated with demographic change require a specific focus and whole of government attention.

In common with many nations, we are on the threshold of a major population change. From this year the post Second World War baby boom generation will begin to enter retirement. By 2020, they will become the older aged generation - the so-called "fourth age".
 

At the same time, our fertility rate has fallen below replacement levels.
 

We face a series of challenges, including:

• A massive reduction in the number of new entrants to the workforce over the next two decades;

• A substantial increase in the number of people requiring aged care;

• A need to better integrate the interface between acute health care and aged care, and community care and aged care;

• Increasing pressure on carers and families, especially those families with both dependant children and aged parents;

• An on-going need to encourage personal savings so as to enable adequate retirement income for people who live longer; and

• Changing expectations and preferences about lifestyle choices and services.

The rich multicultural Australian population and the vast size of the continent, together with our commitment to improve the lives and opportunities of our indigenous people, pose unique challenges.

To this end, the Australian Government launched a National Strategy for an Ageing Australia this year. The strategy seeks to both build upon reform of the past decade, especially in health and aged care, and to lay-out a framework for the development of future policies and programs affecting all aspects of peoples lives as they age.

This strategy recognises the important contribution of the nongovernment sectors in Australia, and seeks to coordinate and encourage the participation of these groups in a strong partnership with our three levels of government.

The issues raised by ageing are not the sole responsibility of government but require ongoing action by all sectors of the community working together.
 

The Strategy is arranged around four themes of :
 

• Independence and self-provision;
 

• Attitude, lifestyle and community support;
 

• Healthy ageing;
 

• And world-class care.
 

Our National Strategy is based on principles that may be of interest to other countries, including that:

• All Australians, regardless of age, should have access to appropriate employment, training, education, housing, transport, cultural and recreational opportunities and care services;

• Both public and private contributions are required to meet the needs and aspirations of an older Australia; and

• A strong research effort should inform the policy responses to population ageing.

I note that many of these concepts are already present in the draft International Plan of Action on Ageing that we are considering this week.

Importantly, the Australian National Strategy is the framework for action that will keep Australia at the forefront of best practice globally.

We are also engaged on a number of specific initiatives to address ageing, for example:

• This year in Australia we will outline a Mature Age Employment Strategy and introduce age discrimination legislation, to develop the capacity of older people to further contribute to national life.

• We are expanding our community age care program and developing extended nursing care in the home to enable more people to do what they most want, that is, to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. This includes ageing in place and services extending the effectiveness of people's networks.

• We are also expanding the number of bed in aged care facilities, and examining the options raising the capital necessary for further expansion.

• We are discussing with other levels of State Government how we provide a better interface between hospital care, aged and community care, leading to continuity of care individuals.

• We are forging new partnership between government, researchers, aged care providers and older people to develop clinical and lifestyle rehabilitation in order to utilise longer term care for short term recovery.
 

This Second World Assembly on Ageing is an opportunity for all countries in attendance to share ideas and experiences that will be of benefit in addressing the issues surrounding ageing in our respective communities.
 

On behalf of Australia, I am pleased to pledge our support for this process and the finalisation of the International Plan of Action on Ageing.
 

The Plan will assist Australia to collaborate on the matters involving, ageing, especially with countries in our region, and throughout the world.
 

We must treat each person as an individual. No person has a use-by date. May this Assembly and our on-going work continue to advance; the well-being and dignity of all the peoples of this World.