"Greater public recognition will also be critical in encouraging prevention and early intervention, and more generally in building public support to meet the challenges of dementia."

"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."

"Community care is a fundamental, an essential, an enduring part of our aged care system."

"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."

"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."

"Ageing means a loss of a number of skills over time."

"Dementia is not exclusively a problem of the developed world."

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

"We know we are entering a period of transformation in aged care."

"We are increasingly recognising and accepting, respecting and celebrating, our cultural diversity."

"Prevention is one of the few known ways to reduce demand for health and aged care services."

"Synergy and serendipity often play a big part in medical and scientific advances."

"Australia has an increasingly multicultural society."

"Our cultural diversity has most certainly shaped our national character."

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

"It is a fact that governments tend to put in place policies and strategies in response to current scenarios."

"We are already seeing older people wanting greater choice in how, when and where they receive care."

"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."

"Today it has been estimated that the average 70 year old has four chronic conditions and consumes an average of 35 PBS scripts per year for those conditions."