Arabic version: ارتفاع التكاليف يدفع الأستراليين لتأجيل بدء العائلات
As living costs continue to rise in Australia, many young people are reconsidering their plans to start families. Financial pressures are leading to a decline in the birth rate, with significant concerns about affordability affecting decisions around having children.
According to SBS News, individuals like Aditya Goel, a 32-year-old tax consultant from Melbourne, express doubts about whether they can afford even one child. Despite having stable jobs and a decent income, Goel and his partner feel overwhelmed by the rising costs of essentials such as groceries, childcare, and rent. He reflects on the challenges faced by those with lower incomes, stating that even for them, the idea of having a large family seems unrealistic.
Glynis, a 28-year-old professional in Canberra, shares similar concerns. She and her partner own a one-bedroom apartment but worry they cannot afford to upsize in a location with good schools. Glynis highlights that the cost of raising children is far more significant than she anticipated, and she questions how they will manage expenses like nappies and childcare, especially with the limited benefits provided by the federal government’s Parental Leave Pay of 26 weeks.
Research indicates that nearly half (46 per cent) of Australians aged 25-34 have altered their family plans due to financial pressures. A survey revealed that 15% of this group have ruled out having children altogether. The 2025 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey shows that more Australians are choosing to have fewer children than in previous decades, with economic concerns being a major factor.
Priya Randhawa, a 41-year-old Sydney resident, reflects on the narrowing window for her to have children. She expresses anxiety about the financial implications of parenthood, including job security and the rising cost of living. Randhawa emphasizes the desire to provide a high quality of life for her future child, yet feels that stagnant wages make this increasingly difficult.
The decline in birth rates is significantly linked to economic conditions, with Australia’s fertility rate dropping to a historic low of 1.5 births per woman in 2024. This trend poses potential long-term implications for the workforce and economic growth, as fewer children being born could lead to an aging population and challenges for social services. As financial pressures mount, many Australians are finding that the dream of starting a family is becoming increasingly elusive.
