Productivity Commission discussion papers are designed to research and then place into the market new strategies for emerging problems. Consumer Directed Care was first flagged in such a paper.

The Commission has just released its third paper relating to ageing and housing. Media attention has been on the discussion of two points, the value of the family home in calculating aged pensions and the fact that ageing Australians are not downsizing to smaller homes which impacts recycling of the big homes to younger families.

Its surveys reveal that just one in five older Australians downsize after turning 50. The report says there is a lack of affordable options.

The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has acknowledged the report but says it is independent of any government thinking, meaning further means testing the family home is a taboo subject. At least until after the next election.