Fed: Aust can deal with older population with migration: Ruddock

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Fed: Aust can deal with older population with migration: Ruddock

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says Australia should be able to weather the transitionto an older population if it maintains a substantial migration program.

Mr RUDDOCK says Australia faces negative population growth by 2030 without a substantialmigrant intake.

He says the Australian population will age quite sharply over the next 50 years.

But he says the country can weather the transition if it takes safeguards includinga substantial migration program.

Mr RUDDOCK says other precautions include encouraging older people to keep workingand helping women to balance work and family life.

AAP RTV so/ldj/wz

KEYWORD: MIGRANTS (CANBERRA)