MELBOURNE (Standard&Poor's) April 1, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that Australia is well placed to cope with the fiscal implications of its aging population. This is a contrast to many of its peers, particularly those in continental Europe, as well as New Zealand and Japan. "Provided the Commonwealth and state governments hold their nerve and maintain fiscal discipline in the face of calls to loosen the purse strings after several years of tight-fistedness, Australia's 'AAA' rating is not likely to be threatened by the fiscal implications of the aging population," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst, Brendan Flynn, director, Sovereign&Public Finance Ratings "Indeed, Australia is one of only about six countries, including Ireland, Sweden
