FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 June 2026
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.
Media Contact
Andrew Glover, Founder, Pronatalism Australia
Email: info@pronatalismaustralia.org