Ageing population
Even though Australia’s population continues to grow, 2006 Census data illustrates that it is ageing. The age group of under 15s decreased as a proportion of all people from 20.8% to 19.8% over the past five years.
By contrast, there are increasing numbers of those aged 65 and over. Between 2001 and 2006, the proportion of those aged 65 and over increased, from 12.6% to 13.3%.
The ageing of the population becomes even more apparent when looking at the increase of those aged 85 and over. Since 1986, the proportion of this age group has doubled from 0.8% to 1.6%.
It’s official: Australia’s population is ageing.
The 2006 Census figures were released on 27 June. The ageing of Australia’s population and its workforce implications made up a major section of the speech made by the Treasurer at the Census launch.
He said: “The proportion of working age people, those aged 15 to 64 years, remained relatively stable between 2001 and 2006. However, the number aged 55 to 64 years experienced a large increase in numbers. This age group increased as a proportion of the total population from 9% to 11%.
By 2047, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over will almost double to 25%. Projected population data shows that the next decade will experience a shrinking of the working population. For
example, there are currently five people of working age to support each person aged 65 and over. By 2047, there will be only 2.4 people to every person aged 65 and over.
This will affect labour force demographics. Although Australia’s
population is growing, the proportion of those at working age is
projected to decrease. This is partially because there will be larger
numbers of people moving into retirement age, and smaller numbers
entering the labour force.
As people live longer and healthier lives they are able to participate
as productive workers for a longer period. A flexible labour force
allows those who are able to continue working in the workforce to do so if they wish.”
Oldest populations in Australia
The 2006 Census shows that Queenscliff in Victoria, Victor Harbor in South Australia and Bribie Island in Queensland have the oldest resident populations in the country.
