The Australian population is changing; in general, we are living longer and healthier lives than ever
before. As a result of this achievement our population is also ageing. This demographic shift raises
concerns about the capacity of the Australian welfare system to meet the challenges of an ageing
population. There will be direct pressures from greater demand for welfare payments and services,
notably the age pension, aged care, disability support, social housing and homelessness services,
and employment services. In addition, indirect pressures arising from the changing geographic
distribution of older Australians will impact on the accessibility of services—requiring additional
resourcing, infrastructure and personnel to support the expanding cohort of older Australians