Treasury forecast shows Australians living longer with smaller households by 2066
The Australian Treasury released an intergenerational report on Sunday projecting population and economic changes for the year 2066.
Life expectancy rises significantly
Women are forecast to live almost 90 years by 2065 or 2066, up from about 86 today. Men are predicted to reach 86 years of age in the same period, rising from 82 currently. Treasurer Jim Chalmers attributed these gains to Australia's universal healthcare system and advances in medical research.
Population growth slows down
The total population will approach 40 million people by 2066 as birth rates decline alongside increased longevity. Households are expected to shrink over the coming decades while the overall population ages significantly. This demographic shift places long-term budget pressure on government services according to the report.
AI defines future economy
Artificial intelligence will become the defining influence on the Australian economy over the next four decades. Jim Chalmers warned that this technological shift brings very substantial risks alongside economic opportunities. The government plans to invest further in Medicare and urgent care clinics to support an ageing population.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- The Guardian
- ABC News Australia
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