Australia ageing population crisis report sparks migration debate

People take photos of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. (Photo: Reuters) For the first time in the 2060s, deaths are projected to outnumber births in Australia, while annual population growth is expected to average 0.9% over the next four decades. Lower fertility and declining net overseas migration are expected to contribute to the slowdown, according to the Australian Treasury's 2026 Intergenerational Report released on Monday.That compares with average population growth of 1.4% a year over the previous four decades. Net overseas migration — migrant arrivals minus departures — is projected to decline further before levelling off.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the number of Australians aged over 85 would triple by 2066, increasing demand for health services.Labor introduced tighter immigration rules last week amid rising support for One Nation, which has called for steep reductions in immigration. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's approval rating also fell to its lowest level since he took office in 2022, Reuters reported.For decades, migrant inflows have supported Australia's population growth despite persistently low birth rates. Japan, Germany and South Korea already re...