he ageing of the population is caused by two factors. Firstly, Australian families are, on average, having fewer children. Birth rates started declining in the late 1960s, and have been falling ever since (Chart A1). For the last 20 years or so the birth rate has fallen below the replacement rate — meaning that without migration Australia’s population would eventually begin to fall.The decision to have children is certainly an individual one — it is not (and should never be) the role of governments to tell citizens how many children they should have. However, governments can ensure that programs are in place to assist parents in bringing up their children.The Government has already introduced extensive changes to taxes and benefits to assist families. Analysis has shown that the tax and social security system is neutral in its treatment of dual verses single income families. That is, the balance of the system is about right.The Government is now looking at how assistance to families may be further improved so that there is maximum choice available to parents in balancing work and family responsibilities. One aspect of this choice is ensuring that employers and employees have the flexibility to reach mutually beneficial working arrangements — including through part time or flexible work.
đang được dịch, vui lòng đợi..