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.

There are genuine concerns about the status of children to be sent to Malaysia and also there are genuine concerns about the human rights record in Malaysia.

And I believe that the best buy in public health today must be a combination of regular physical exercise and a healthy diet.

Advances in science and medical research and public health policies have meant that life expectancy for Australians is one of the highest in the world.

We know that so many of the conditions and diseases that we associate with ageing can often be prevented or in fact their onset delayed if we just took preventative steps earlier in our lives.

The Australian economy is resilient, but business and consumer confidence is fragile.

Australia is already a world leader in dementia research, treatment and care.