In April 2011 the federal government established an Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians to ensure the potential of the older members of our community is considered in a range of policy debates. 

The objective behind establishing the Panel was to identify and respond to the economic and social opportunities that are presented by an older population. The Panel looked at participation in its broadest perspective, asking how Australia can best harness the life experiences and intellectual capital of senior Australians. The Panel was asked to address the central question "What new opportunities will arise in the future with a larger, and more active, community of senior Australians?"

The Government asked the Panel to consider a number of specific policy areas during its deliberations:

• Opportunities created by the National Broadband Network (NBN) for senior Australians to stay connected to their communities.
• Opportunities for senior Australians to get involved in activities to preserve our environment and help tackle climate change.
• Priority areas for consideration by the new Commissioner for Age Discrimination – helping cultivate positive attitudes towards senior Australians across all facets of the community.
• Improving workforce participation and investing in the skills and experience of senior Australians – allowing businesses and community groups to tap into an active and engaged talent pool of senior Australians.
• Opportunities for businesses and community groups to provide a wider range of recreational and preventative health services that meet senior Australians' interests and support healthy and active lifestyles.
• Creating new avenues for senior Australians to volunteer – supporting the networks and systems that can match the skills and abilities of a growing pool of senior Australians with community needs.
• Supporting seniors‑friendly housing – influencing planning, design and construction decisions to take advantage of the opportunities presented by demographic change.
• Helping senior Australians plan for their future – helping senior Australians keep an eye to the future, make well‑informed decisions and plan ahead for life's transitions.