Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 June 2026

Australia Has Added Another Million People — But Its Demographic Deficit Deepens

Australia’s population has reached 28 million people, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates. But beneath the headline milestone lies a growing demographic deficit: Australia is experiencing record-low fertility while relying increasingly on migration for population growth.

At the current fertility rate of 1.48 births per woman, each generation of Australians is producing around 30 per cent fewer children than needed for replacement. Because these effects compound over time, today’s fertility rate means the generations of children born to Australians will become drastically smaller over the decades ahead — particularly if it declines even further.

Andrew Glover, founder of Pronatalism Australia, said the latest figures demonstrate why headline population growth should not be confused with demographic renewal.

“Australia has added another million people, but our demographic deficit continues to deepen,” Mr Glover said.

“Many Australians would be surprised to learn that we are now producing only around 70% of the children needed for long-term replacement. That represents a significant erosion in generational renewal occurring beneath the surface of continued population growth.”

ABS figures released earlier this year showed that net overseas migration accounted for 73% of Australia’s population growth, while natural increase accounted for just 27%.

“Migration can increase a country’s population size, but it does not address the underlying reasons Australians are having fewer children,” Mr Glover said.

“For too long, population growth has allowed us to avoid a more difficult conversation about fertility decline, delayed family formation, housing affordability, economic insecurity and the broader conditions facing young families.”

Pronatalism Australia is calling for greater public awareness of fertility decline and a renewed focus on the cultural, economic and social factors that influence family formation.

“Population growth tells us whether Australia is getting bigger. Fertility tells us whether Australia is replacing itself,” Mr Glover said.

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Media Contact

Andrew Glover, Founder, Pronatalism Australia
Email: info@pronatalismaustralia.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 June 2026

Pronatalism Australia Welcomes 26 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Pronatalism Australia has welcomed the full implementation of Australia’s expanded Paid Parental Leave scheme, which now provides eligible families with up to 26 weeks of leave, including superannuation contributions.

Founder Andrew Glover said the reform represents a positive investment in Australian families and the nation’s future.

“Giving parents more time with their newborn children reduces financial pressure and allows families to focus on what matters most during the earliest months of life,” Mr Glover said.

Pronatalism Australia noted that the inclusion of superannuation contributions is particularly significant, recognising that time spent raising children contributes to society and should not come at the expense of retirement savings.

“The inclusion of superannuation is an important recognition that caring for children creates value not just for families, but for society as a whole,” Mr Glover said.

Pronatalism Australia noted that the benefits of parental leave extend beyond workforce participation and economic outcomes.

“Strong attachment between parents and children during infancy is associated with a range of positive developmental outcomes,” Mr Glover said.

“Policies that support parents to spend time with their young children should be viewed as an investment in Australia’s future wellbeing.”

While welcoming the reform, Pronatalism Australia said further action would be needed to address Australia’s declining fertility rate and make family formation easier and more desirable for future generations.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Mr Glover said.

“Building a more family-friendly Australia will require a broader conversation about the economic, cultural and institutional barriers that prevent many Australians from having the families they truly want.”

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Media Contact

Andrew Glover, Founder, Pronatalism Australia
Email: info@pronatalismaustralia.org
Web: www.pronatalismaustralia.org