Australia's human character

Introduction

This chapter discusses the demographic trends of Australia and how this affects our communities. We use the Census to measure the population size, rate of increase in the population, the age structure or distribution, life expectancy, migration rates and patterns of human settlement or distribution.

Australia's unique human character and demographic characteristics

Geographers look at demography when describing communities. Demography is the study of defined populations. A geographic community can be described and defined by its demographic characteristics. Demography might look at these features of a community: family situation and structure, age distribution, employment status, ethnicity and language, cultural distribution, and education levels.

As at July 2006, Australia's estimated population was 20 264 082. This is a small population by world standards. We look inside the population to observe demographic features and trends to discuss how the Australian population and society is changing.

Australia's age structure is as follows:

• 0-14 years (19.6 per cent with 2 031 313 males and 1 936 802 females)
  
  
• 15-64 years (67.3 per cent with 6 881 863 males and 6 764 709 females)
  
  
• 65 years and over (13.1 per cent with 1 170 589 males and 1 478 806 females)

Two statistical features are noted: Australia presently has a large proportion of middle-aged, middle-income earners. Females appear to be living longer than males.

Statistical analysts and geographers expect Australia's population to age. This means there is expected to be a much greater proportion of the population aged over 65 and a much lesser proportion of the population aged under 15. You may have heard that we are an 'ageing population' in the media. It is perhaps the most important expected demographic trend, because it will place great pressure on the budgets of governments and Australian taxpayers to provide for aged care.

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Our ageing population is brought about by two other key demographic trends: a decrease in the fertility rate (1.73 babies per woman) and an increase in life expectancy (76.5 years for males and 82.5 years for females). We currently have a birth rate of 12.14 per 1000 and a death rate of 7.51 per 1000. Australia's median (middle) age is 35 years. The median age divides a population exactly in half. With forecasters expecting the median age to increase to as much as 48.2 in 2050, this further signifies an ageing Australian population.

Our current population growth rate is 0.85 per cent. This is the average annual percentage change. It indicates the ratio of births to deaths plus net immigration. From 1861 our population growth has been mostly due to natural increases. The ratio of births to deaths represents our natural rate of population increase. As the population growth rate is a positive figure, we are indeed growing, yet not enough to sustain an ageing population and our globalising economy.

Forecasters propose boosting net immigration (number of people migrating or immigrating permanently to Australia minus the number of people leaving or emigrating permanently) in order to cope with the pressures of our ageing population.

Other factors influencing our ageing population include our retiring baby boomers (this large generation born between 1946 and 1961 is due to leave the workforce in 2010). Also, around 25 per cent of women are not having children, or having fewer children later in life. Australia also has a relatively low net immigration rate at around 0.69 per cent (divide net overseas migration by the total population and multiply by 100). The population growth rate also gives policymakers an estimate of geographical impact in areas such as natural resources, industry and infrastructure (transport, roads, buildings, housing).

Australia's ethnic composition is approximated by these statistics: Caucasian (English or European origin) 92 per cent; Asian 7 per cent; Aboriginal and other 1 per cent. We have a language distribution of: English 79.1 per cent, Chinese 2.1 per cent, Italian 1.9 per cent, other 11.1 per cent, unspecified 5.8 per cent. So although we are a multicultural society, we are still largely a Caucasian and Anglo-Saxon society.

Population layout and density: our population distribution

When we observe how Australia's population is distributed (spread) throughout the continent, we can arrive at the population density of different locations and communities. Note that population density is how many people occupy each square metre of space/land. Location and space in geography is called a spatial factor. We can also observe changes in population growth and population density over time.

There are many factors influencing the past and present population distribution in Australia. Historically, population distribution and settlement was based at coastal ports for the purposes of shipping trade, communication and transport. Australia remains populated along coastlines and in urban cities and towns because of factors such as the harsh climate, water scarcity and generally poor soil quality found inland as well as coastal lifestyle choices, for example, access to the beach and urban-based entertainment. Australia's ageing population also tends to choose coastal (cooler) areas for the purpose of lifestyle in retirement.

In general, Australia is a highly urbanised society; around 86 per cent of the population live in cities or urban centres and around 65 per cent of the population live in one of seven State capitals. This means there is a high population density, or number of people per square kilometre, compared to rural and remote areas. Overall, we should note that the most densely populated 1 per cent of our continent contains 84 per cent of the population. Most of Australia's population is distributed in towns and cities of over 1000 people. At the start of the century, around 80 per cent of Australians lived in the coastal strip from Brisbane to Adelaide. In contrast, over 80 per cent of the Australian continent contained just 3 per cent of the population. So in sum, Australia's population density is two people per square metre, which is extremely low in comparison to other countries (population density is found by dividing population by area).

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Sydney and Melbourne are the largest cities. Australia features a few industrial cities, along with tourist centres and regional centres (large cities and towns). Overall, around 50 000 people live in Australia's 20 non-capital cities. Rural towns, villages and communities are not densely populated, despite being located across much of the vast Australian land mass. Rural communities are experiencing a population drift as essential services, goods supplies, and employment opportunities are under pressure. From 1997 to 2002 there was a 66 per cent growth in the population in Australia's capital cities. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast all experienced unprecedented growth. A natural population increase of 0.67 per cent occurred in Queensland (Qld) in 2002.

Changes in population distribution are usually attributable to internal migration. There are three forms of internal migration. Interstate migration occurs when people move residence between states. Intra-city migration is when people move from suburb to suburb. The third form of internal migration is rural-urban, when people move from country areas to city or urban areas.

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Australia's internal migration patterns indicate that 43 per cent of the population changed place of usual residence between 1991 and 1996. Australia is experiencing changes in its population distribution. The trends are: a declining rural population; and an increased population proportion in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Qld (for example, Qld has 0.8 per cent interstate migration, which is well above the state average). Meanwhile, a decreased proportion of the population now resides in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. There was slower growth in the major cities due to less immigration and a downturn in the manufacturing industry. The most rapid population growth was recorded in areas such as coastal NSW and southeast Qld, and around city fringes.