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Welcome to the Demographic Change Advisory Council

The Demographic Change Advisory Council is the key advisory body on demographic change issues that are likely to affect the Tasmanian community and economy over the coming years.  These demographic changes include population ageing and the possible decline in the number of people in Tasmania’s workforce and the number of younger Tasmanians in general, such as those of school age.

The Council comprises representatives with a mix of community interests and expertise from the unions, government, business and community sectors.

While population ageing will present numerous challenges for Australia over the coming years, there are several reasons why demographic change is a more urgent issue for Tasmania than for other states and territories.  

• Tasmania is ageing more rapidly than any other jurisdiction and is expected to have the oldest population by the end of 2007. 
• Tasmania already has the lowest labour force participation rate of any jurisdiction and so is more vulnerable to a future decline in participation due to ageing. 
• Tasmania’s labour productivity rate, which is a key driver of economic growth, has been below the national average.

Given the potential economic and social consequences of population ageing, it is important that Government, businesses, unions, non-government organisations and the community more broadly work together to identify and address the emerging demographic trends, challenges and opportunities.

The Demographic Change Advisory Council is committed to collating and disseminating information on demographic change-related issues and various strategies that the Tasmanian community could use to minimise any adverse economic or social impacts.

The Council is keen to receive comments or views from the community on any demographic change-related issues, activities or events that may be of interest to specific stakeholders or the wider community.