Aussie workforce needs more people: BCA

Australia's workforce needs more people at a time when a large number of Australians are reaching retirement age, the Business Council of Australia says.

In a submission to the federal government's population strategy, the council says choosing low or no population growth over the next 40 years poses unacceptable risks to the nation's way of life.

The council represents 100 chief executives of Australia's largest companies.

It argues that without moderate growth, the ageing of the population will see the number of people of working age to each Australian aged 65 or over slump from five to 2.7 by 2050.

It says the projected growth in the government's Intergenerational Report, that would see the population increase to around 30 million in 2030 and 36 million in 2050, is a moderate and sensible guide to meet Australia's long-term goals.

"The Australian workforce needs more people, not less, at a time when large numbers of Australians are reaching retirement," BCA president Graham Bradley said.

"Keeping the Australian workforce strong is vital because economic growth in our region will increase demand for Australian products and services."

Bradley said restricting Australia's population to the level it is today will drag down lifestyles and lead to a very different kind of Australia.

He said managing population growth "is not a zero sum game" but about balancing risks.

"We believe that the way to have a sensible debate about our population choices is to show leadership that tells a story about how population growth can achieve our shared goals," he said.

"It is leadership to inspire people about the future, rather than populist debates that seek to scare people about the present."

In its submission the council argues for moderate population growth to deliver benefits for all Australians.

It says there should be a commitment by all levels of government to work together on an effective, sustainable population strategy.

This should include investment in education and skills, and a focus on lifting workforce participation, while there should be a particular focus on skilled migration.

It says there should be a national infrastructure plan focused on planning for cities and regions, while a national energy policy would provide the necessary investment to meet future energy demand and move Australia to lower-emission energy sources.

It also recommends a regular review of the population strategy to account for significant changes in Australia's outlook.

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