Employment at older ages in Australia: determinants and trends

Abstract

The 2002—03 Intergenerational report emphasised the potential role that increased levels of labour force participation at older ages could play in addressing the policy challenges associated with population ageing in Australia (Australian Treasury 2002). Increased participation at older ages means that people will be on the tax-paying side of the ledger rather than on the tax-disbursal side of the ledger. Working longer would also mean that the people concerned would be able to build up their superannuation entitlements before retiring, again reducing the government’s potential liability. The policy direction of the 2002 Intergenerational report was colloquially referred to as ‘work till you drop’. Other official reports have made the same points (Productivity Commission 2005; House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing 2005). Show more