We all know that Australia’s population is growing fast—faster than we’re building homes, roads, schools, or even planning for the future. Migration is up, infrastructure is lagging, and housing is stretched to breaking point.  

Yet instead of managing all these moving parts together, our governments still treat them like isolated problems. 

In today’s episode of Demographics Decoded, we answer the question: “What if Australia had a national strategy to plan for our demographic future—one that actually aligned migration, housing, infrastructure, and workforce policy?” 

I think you’ll be fascinated by the answer… 

Takeaways 

• Australia's population is growing faster than infrastructure can keep up.
• A national demographic strategy is essential for future planning.
• Migration impacts housing prices and availability.
• The dependency ratio is crucial for economic stability.
• Public housing stock needs to increase to address affordability.
• Long-term policies are necessary to support younger generations.
• Political cycles hinder the implementation of effective demographic strategies.
• Millennials play a significant role in future workforce planning.
• International students contribute significantly to the economy.
• A transparent approach to migration and housing is needed 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Demographic Challenges in Australia 

02:44 The Need for a National Demographic Strategy 

05:26 Understanding Migration and Its Economic Impact 

07:59 Housing Affordability and Public Housing Solutions 

10:53 The Interconnectedness of Policy Areas 

13:25 Targeting Dependency Ratios and Migration 

16:10 Public Housing and Its Role in Affordability 

18:41 Long-term Strategies vs. Short-term Politics 

23:04 The Future of Australia's Demographic Policies 

31:14 The Importance of Demographic Awareness 

31:34 Understanding Market Trends 

 

Links and Resources:   

 

 

About Simon Kuestenmacher 

 

Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group 

 

Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.    

 

He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. 

 

Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. 

 

 

About Michael Yardney 

 

Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. 

 

While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. 

 

Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. 

 

Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram 

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