Intergenerational report predicts growing burden for younger people | Evening News Bulletin 21 September 2026

Australia’s latest Intergenerational report projects that younger workers will carry a heavier economic burden over the next 40 years, driven by an aging population and falling birthrate. It forecasts the economy in 2066 will be more than twice as large, with average incomes 55% higher, but warns rising pressure from a larger elderly population, weaker productivity growth, turbulent global politics, and higher defense and health costs. The report says younger Australians may need to work longer and face greater difficulty buying homes. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the country is “well-placed” to respond. The briefing also covered Australia’s UN Security Council campaign for the 2029–30 term and an H5 bird flu test result in sea lions on the Page and South Page Islands.