Australia is facing an alarming decline in birth rates, with couples increasingly delaying or forgoing starting families due to soaring cost-of-living pressures and unaffordable housing.
Analysis from KPMG Australia released this week highlights this trend, which has seen birth rates plummet to their lowest level since 2006.
The Family First Party is deeply concerned about the social and economic implications of this trend and believes that urgent action is required to reverse it.
The crux of the issue lies in the financial barriers that young Australians face when considering starting or expanding their families.
The rising costs of living and housing have created an environment where the dream of family life is becoming increasingly unattainable for many.
Key data points underscore the severity of the situation. Since 2021, the national birthrate has nosedived, with 289,100 babies born last year, down from 315,200 in 2021.
This marks the lowest annual number of births since 2006.
Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have seen significant declines in birthrates, with Sydney experiencing an 8.6% drop and Melbourne a 7.3% decrease since 2019.
Even regional areas, which saw a post-COVID baby boom, are now experiencing a slowdown.
At the Family First Party, we firmly believe that addressing the cost-of-living crisis is paramount.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by prioritising cheap energy and that means urgently re-thinking the expensive roll-out of unreliable renewables.
This week’s news that cost-of-living is affecting the birth rate came as news also broke that electricity prices have gone up by 23 per cent to June 30.
This is thanks to the expensive renewable roll-out and the premature shuttering of cheap and reliable coal-fired electricity generators.
Affordable energy is a cornerstone of economic stability, reducing household expenses and enabling families to allocate more of their income towards other essential needs.
Energy affects the cost of everything, which is why inflation is so high.
By investing in cost-effective energy solutions such as gas and nuclear, we can alleviate one of the significant financial burdens on young families.
Additionally, releasing more land for housing is crucial. The scarcity of affordable housing options has been a significant deterrent for couples looking to start families.
Australia has one of the largest land masses of any nation and the idea that land is scarce and expensive can only be put down to poor planning by politicians.
By increasing the availability of land, we can drive down housing prices and make homeownership a realistic goal for more Australians.
This will provide the security and stability that young families need to thrive.
Cutting red tape is another vital step. Bureaucratic hurdles and excessive regulations often stymie development and inflate costs.
Streamlining these processes will encourage investment in housing and infrastructure, creating a more conducive environment for family growth.
In conclusion, the Family First Party is committed to addressing the factors contributing to Australia’s falling birth rates.
By prioritising cheap energy, releasing more land, and cutting red tape, we can help young Australians gain the confidence and financial stability needed to marry and form families.
These policy measures are essential for ensuring the long-term social and economic health of our nation.
ACTION: Join the fight to restore the Australian families’ dream of home ownership and affordable child raising. Join the Family First Party today.