The strongest initiative that government can take to ensure Australia is prepared for population ageing, is to maintain a strong economy, and a secure nation.

We have, after all, an ageing population, and dementia is generally a condition of ageing, in that the risk increases with age.

I take very seriously our responsibility to keep a strong economy.

The foundations of a strong economy don't rest alone on the decisions of Chancellors or the spending programmes of government.

When the Australian Government looked at how to meet the challenges, and the opportunities, presented by our ageing population, it saw that an all-encompassing approach was a prerequisite.

We don't have to sacrifice a strong economy for a healthy environment.