Why Australia's Future Leans on Migrant Workers: A Friendly Guide to the Intergenerational Report

News · 2026-09-28 · 4 min read

Kumusta! If Australia is on your list of dream destinations, whether you are working in the Middle East right now or still back home in the Philippines, one government document deserves a few minutes of your time. Once every three years, Australia's national government prepares a forecast that stretches 40 years into the future. Its newest edition, the Intergenerational Report (IGR), sends a simple message: much of the nation's future growth will come from people who decide to settle there.

Fewer Babies, More Newcomers

Families in Australia are getting smaller. According to the IGR, the fertility rate is projected to drop to 1.34 births per woman by 2065–66. In the previous report, the assumption was 1.62. Sometime in the 2060s, the country is expected to record more deaths than births, something that has never happened there before.

Despite this, Australia's population is still projected to hit 39.3 million by 2065–66. What fills the gap? Net overseas migration, which the report assumes will average 235,000 people a year over the long run. The report describes this as "demographic resilience", setting Australia apart from Germany, Italy and South Korea, where deaths are already higher than births.

Where Workers Like You Could Be Needed

The IGR points to several big shifts in the economy, and each one hints at skills Australia will be looking for:

Caring for people. As the population gets older, more nurses, aged care workers, allied health professionals and disability support staff will be needed. If you have cared for patients or elderly people abroad, that background is worth highlighting.
Clean energy. Australia has a net zero target of 2050 and wants to become a "renewable energy superpower" through critical minerals, green hydrogen and green metals. That creates room for engineers, technicians, tradespeople and project specialists.
AI and technology. The report admits the results of artificial intelligence are not yet clear, but expects it to change how people work and which skills are valued most.
Services. More of the economy is expected to move toward services, which rewards professional, technical and customer-facing skills.

Young Arrivals Keep the Workforce Strong

Here is an encouraging detail. The report says a recent migrant's median age is about 26, while for the existing resident population it sits at 38. This age difference helps explain why Australia's working-age group (15 to 64) is expected to keep expanding, even as similar economies watch theirs get smaller.

Ageing is still a major trend:

Median age is set to rise from 38.6 to 45 by 2062–63.
Australians aged 65+ will almost double in number.
Those aged 85+ will almost triple.

An older population needs more health and aged care, and those jobs need people to do them.

A Steady Economy Where People Live Long Lives

Because of ageing, yearly growth is forecast to slow from roughly 3% to roughly 2%. Still, the report projects an economy more than twice today's size by 2065–66, with real income per person 55% higher. Women are expected to live to 89.5 years and men to 86.1.

For families planning a move, this paints a picture of a stable, well-off country with good public healthcare. The report is honest about the challenges too, such as housing costs for younger Australians and growing government spending.

Remember: The Numbers Can Change

That 235,000 figure is only an assumption, not a guarantee. Both the Opposition and One Nation have said they would aim for much lower migration if they win government. Visa categories, priorities and settings can shift when governments and budgets change.

That is why careful preparation and good timing really help. Occupation lists and rules move, so always work from current information and put together a complete application.

Practical Steps Before You Apply

Think long term about your skills. What is needed now may not be needed later, so focus on areas the report expects to need for years, like care, energy and technology.
Check today's rules. Visa requirements can change, so confirm what applies now instead of trusting old advice.
Begin your paperwork early. English tests, skills assessments and documents all take time to prepare.

Whether you are a nurse, a caregiver, a technician or an engineer, these trends are worth keeping in mind as you plan. Prepare well, stay updated, and take your Australian dream one careful step at a time.

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