Australia’s Population © Karen Devine 2010
Current and Future Population Trends Australia’s population is described as ageing. There are growing numbers of people in the 65+ category who are becoming part of the dependent population. © Karen Devine 2010
Current and Future Population Trends The only part of the Australian population which sees growing numbers of members of the younger age groups is the ATSI community. © Karen Devine 2010
Current and Future Population Trends Australia’s population density is also low in comparison with other developed and developing nations. Australians have a high life expectancy (approximately 79 for males and 82 for females.) © Karen Devine 2010
Current and Future Population Trends Australia’s population is mostly urban with some rural-urban migration occurring. Most of Australia’s population lives on the coastal fringes, specifically along the eastern coastline. © Karen Devine 2010
Current and Future Population Trends Over the last century Australia’s population growth has occurred due to: a) natural increase b) migration. © Karen Devine 2010
Current and Future Population Trends Yet, the rate of natural increase has been slowing in Australia due to: a) improved contraception b) working women c) women seeking education d) changing attitudes to families. © Karen Devine 2010
Government Population Policies Australia’s current population policies include: a) Increasing the population via migration to offset the ageing population and create a more sustainable population in the future. b) Targeting immigrants with desirable workforce skills. c) Offering “baby bonuses” to encourage fertility and provide an income for growing families. d) Increased funding for childcare services. e) Income tax deductions which focus on family spending. © Karen Devine 2010
Implications of an Ageing Population An ageing population means that there will be less people of working age supporting an elderly population. People are living longer and will need to be supported on pensions for longer periods of time. © Karen Devine 2010
Implications of an Ageing Population More infrastructure, such as hospitals and nursing homes will need to be provided for an ageing population. © Karen Devine 2010
Implications of Increased Migration Increased provision of migrant services will be needed for NESB migrants. Increased need for English language centres. Increased need for migrant media and information services. © Karen Devine 2010
Implications of Increased Migration Migration rates allow an increase in the Australian workforce in the short term. Increases in the rate of natural increase allow an increase in the working age population in the long term. © Karen Devine 2010
Implications of Increased Coastal Dwellers Increased pressure on natural resources in South Eastern Australia. Greater population density increases pressure on housing. State governments must plan for effects of urban sprawl. © Karen Devine 2010
Implications of Increased Coastal Dwellers Pressures on city’s transport systems and road networks. Australia’s population density is low. Yet, it is high in urban areas and South Eastern Australia. This has implications for planners. © Karen Devine 2010
Pause Point Watch film on Australia’s Population Explosion. Australia’s Population Explosion. © Karen Devine 2010
Question Time? What are the implications of a large increase in the numbers of people aged 85+ in 2035? © Karen Devine 2010