Miss Denny’s solution to our declining and ageing population (Mercury December 29) is to attract a “preferred” younger demographic, particularly women of child bearing age.
By implication, older people now living interstate would be a drain on the economy if they moved here and should not be encouraged. Such thinking, however, is based on the false premise that older people are necessarily poor people.
Whilst financial analysts may be correct in their predictions that most Australians have inadequately provided for their superannuation, paradoxically this is where a major opportunity for Tasmania lies.
They may not have enough superannuation but thousands of “empty nester” retirees still live in Sydney and Melbourne family homes worth several million dollars each. By selling them, they could release more than enough funds to buy or build an equivalent home in Tasmania (or inner city apartments with water views and NBN connectivity to maintain contact with family) yet still have millions left over to support their extravagant baby boomer lifestyles (great for the hospitality industry), pay for their future health care needs and create jobs for younger workers.
Put simply, one way to attract young people is to attract rich, old people first.
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Hans Willink 799 Acton Road Acton park 7170
