Australia’s ageing population - Economic implications for local government

The Australian Local Government Association represents the interests of local government nationally. ALGA is constituted as a federation of the peak Local Government Associations in the six States and the Northern Territory, together with the Government of the ACT. ALGA provides a range of services to its member associations and, through them, local councils throughout Australia.

ALGA welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission in response to the Productivity Commission’s research study examining the productivity, labour supply and fiscal implications of likely demographic trends over the next 40 years for all levels of government. ALGA commends the establishment of the research study and recognises the need to further improve understanding of the challenges and opportunities resulting from an ageing Australia.

This submission focuses on particular issues and statements addressed in the Commission’s accompanying questions paper, and the terms of reference in so far as they apply to local government. Our comments are principally directed towards the section of the questions paper headed “Fiscal implications for government services”. The comments address the terms of reference of the research study through the questions raised in that part of the paper.

In addition we have some additional but brief comment on other related issues which are raised in the paper and the terms of reference. ALGA trusts that the Commission will consider our comments and recommendations as part of the report.

Link to report: Australia’s ageing population - Economic implications for local government