Tasmania is currently experiencing a crucial turning point in its ageing population and therefore needs to focus on the social and economic implications that presents: for labour supply, service demand, community cohesion and commercial markets, as discussed in this report.
 
Australia’s population, like that of most developed countries, is ageing as a result of sustained low fertility and increasing life expectancy. The Commonwealth government has identified Australia’s ageing population as a challenge across issues of engagement and service delivery (Australian Government, 2010). Over the next 10 years, the proportion of the Australian population in retirement or semi-retirement will increase.