The three Ps – population, (workforce) participation and productivity – are inextricably linked to Australia's future prosperity and standard of living. National productivity levels are under threat as the population ages. As baby boomers retire, the changing demographics will have a profound impact on workforce participation levels. Immigration is considered one quick fix to the workforce participation problem, but it's contentious. And with the rules about to change to streamline the process for bringing skilled migrants into Australia, it's an ongoing topic of hot debate. Demographer Peter McDonald, deputy director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Population Ageing Research, suggests skilled migration is one ready way to keep growing the economy and may also increase wages for lower-skilled workers. While keeping older Australians engaged in the workforce remains key, McDonald tells Julian Lorkin of Knowledge@Australian School of Business, an important part of boosting productivity also involves improving infrastructure to ensure international competitiveness.