Forget Smashed Avo – This Is Australia’s New Obsession
Move over smashed avo and lattes – Australia has a new obsession. The fastest-growing retail sector isn’t cafés, restaurants, or even liquor. It’s wellness. Today, we examine how demographics, particularly the aging Baby Boomer population and the rising Millennial generation, are shaping these trends. The conversation highlights the growing importance of wellness in consumer spending, surpassing traditional leisure activities like dining out and drinking. The discussion also touches on the implications for businesses and property investors looking to capitalise on these trends in the future. Takeaways · Australia's fastest growing retail sector is wellness. · Australians have spent $36 billion more on health and wellness than on cafes. · Baby boomers are increasingly investing in wellness as a form of insurance for their health. · The aging population is driving up spending in the wellness sector. · Wellness is now viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity. · Consumer spending on cafes and liquor is still significant but is being overshadowed by wellness. · The millennial generation is entering their highest spending phase, impacting wellness spending. · Demographics provide insights into future spending trends and consumer behavior. · Businesses should focus on wellness-related products and services to meet consumer demand. · The trend towards wellness is expected to continue growing in the coming decade. Chapters 01:08 - Wellness Spending Surpasses Cafes and Restaurants 03:29 - Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Toiletries Outpace Other Retail 06:41 - Activewear as a Lifestyle Statement Across Generations 11:18 - Pools, Saunas and Lifestyle Features in Australian Homes 18:08 - Generational Spending Patterns and the Rise of Millennials About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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Australia’s Migration Surge: The Truth About Who’s Coming to Australia
Migration is shaping Australia’s future more than almost any other force. In 2024, about 580,000 new residents arrived, while 240,000 left permanently – giving us a net migration gain of 340,000 people. That’s far above our long-term average, and it raises big questions about how our nation can handle such rapid growth . But who exactly are these new arrivals? In this episode of Demographics Decoded, we will discuss the significant surge in migration to Australia, particularly focusing on the role of international students and the implications for the economy, workforce, and housing market. We explore the challenges and future trends in migration, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach to immigration policy to address skill shortages and housing pressures. Takeaways · Australia's net migration reached over 340,000 in 2024. · International students make up a significant portion of new migrants. · The economic impact of international students is substantial, contributing around $65,000 each. · Migration trends are influenced by global events like the pandemic. · The current migration system needs to be more strategic and focused on future skills needs. · Housing pressures are exacerbated by high migration numbers. · The aging population in Australia necessitates continued migration for workforce sustainability. · Political discussions around cutting migration often lack substance and are populist in nature. · The housing market is influenced by policy decisions, not just migration numbers. · A more targeted approach to skilled migration could benefit Australia's economy. Chapters 01:17 - Migration Surge or Post-Pandemic Catch-Up? 05:17 - International Students: 1.1 Million Enrolled and Their Real Impact 10:52 - Student Pathways to Permanent Residency and Skills Gaps 16:25 - Why Australia Is Hooked on Migration for Taxes and Workforce 22:57 - Redesigning the Skilled Migration Pipeline for the Future About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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Australia vs. The World: Are We Still the Lucky Country?
Is Australia still the lucky country? That phrase has been part of our national identity for decades, but in a world of rising costs, global competition, and shifting demographics, does it still hold true? In today’s show, we explore Australia's current standing compared to other nations and how its position has evolved since the 1990s. Whether you’re a property investor, a business owner, or just curious about how Australia stacks up, stay tuned – this should be a fascinating conversation about prosperity, perception, and our future. Takeaways · Australia's GDP per capita ranks above Canada and the Netherlands. · Australia's economy relies heavily on mining, agriculture, tourism, and education. · Demographics and immigration have significantly driven Australia's economic growth. · There is a need for Australia to diversify its economy to reduce reliance on mining. · Wealth distribution in Australia shows significant inequality despite overall wealth. · The property market has absorbed much of Australia's newfound wealth. · Australia's energy prices need to be addressed for future economic growth. · Comparative analysis with countries like Brazil and Germany reveals strengths and weaknesses. · The perception of being 'lucky' can mask underlying economic challenges. · Future prosperity will depend on strategic policy decisions regarding energy and housing. Chapters 01:38 - Dumb Luck or Smart Strategy: Australia’s Resource-Driven Wealth 06:43 - Mining, Juicy GDP and Why Canada Can’t Keep Up 10:18 - Migration as the Hidden Engine of GDP Growth 15:42 - Inequality, Generations and the Risk of a Victim Mentality 22:04 - Can Australia Stay Lucky? Diversification, Energy Costs and the Next 30 Years About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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Why Fewer Australians Own Their Homes—and What That Means for Our Future
For generations, owning a home has been at the heart of the Australian dream. In 1966, nearly three-quarters of Australian households owned their home, either outright or with a mortgage. Fast-forward to the 2021 Census, and that figure had slipped to just 63 per cent. For younger Australians, the drop has been even steeper. And while renting is far more common today, the cost of entry into home ownership has never been higher. So what’s driving this change? Is it just the market doing what markets do, or have we set ourselves on a path where home ownership becomes an exclusive club? That's what Simon Kuestenmacher and I discussed in today's episode of the Demographics Decoded Podcast. Takeaways · Homeownership is integral to a sense of belonging and financial security. · The peak homeownership rate in Australia was 75% in 1996, now it is 63%. · Younger Australians are facing steeper declines in homeownership rates. · Homeownership rates reflect both affordability and life cycle stages. · Government policies historically encouraged homeownership, but this has changed. · The wealth gap between homeowners and renters is increasing. · Political priorities are shifting as younger voters feel locked out of homeownership. · First home buyer incentives may lead to short-term price increases. · A balanced housing market supports economic stability and growth. · Gradual policy shifts are necessary to improve homeownership rates. Chapters 00:00 The Great Australian Dream: Homeownership Trends 02:05 Historical Context: Peak House in Australia 05:19 Demographic Shifts and Homeownership Rates 09:37 Economic Factors Influencing Homeownership 12:13 Wealth Gap: Owners vs. Renters 14:55 Political Implications of Homeownership Decline 17:46 The Role of Property Investors 20:42 Policy Recommendations for Housing 26:07 Future of Homeownership in Australia About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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28:12
Why Australia’s Middle Class is Shrinking – and What It Means for You
Australia's middle class is shrinking, so today Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the implications for society and the housing market. We examine the historical context of the middle class, the factors contributing to its decline, and the significance of housing in wealth accumulation. Our conversation also delves into the forces shaping the future of the middle class, including intergenerational wealth transfer, migration, and political change. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for rebuilding the middle class, emphasising the need for education reform, affordable housing, and tax reform. Takeaways · The middle class in Australia is shrinking due to various economic factors. · Housing affordability has significantly decreased over the decades. · Intergenerational wealth transfer is creating a divide between rich and poor. · Migration is increasing pressure on housing and infrastructure. · Political changes are influencing the perception of the middle class. · TAFE degrees should be universally free to support the middle class. · Affordable housing is crucial for wealth creation. · Tax reforms are necessary to address wealth inequality. · A healthy middle class contributes to social cohesion and stability. · Understanding demographics is key to navigating future economic trends. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Middle Class Discussion 01:29 Understanding the Middle Class 04:29 The U-Shaped Society 08:08 The Role of Housing in the Middle Class 09:53 The Impact of Employment Changes 12:20 Forces Shaping the Future of the Middle Class 17:46 Political Changes and Their Implications 19:22 Strategies to Rebuild the Middle Class 26:58 The Importance of a Healthy Middle Class About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
About Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future
Join leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and wealth and property investment expert Michael Yardney as they share Australian demographic shifts, trend analysis and social change insights to help business decision makers, entrepreneurs, and investors make informed decisions.
Each week, we bring you in-depth discussions about how demographics affects our future and actionable advice on demographic factors that influence property investment, business and industry and how to prepare for demographic and social changes in the next decade.
Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or investor, our podcast equips you with knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.
In a rapidly changing world, empower your business and investment decisions with data-driven insights. By subscribing to Demographics Decoded, you gain access to:
• Expert analysis from leading authorities in demography, economics and the future.
• Insights into the trends that will impact your business and investments.
• Strategies for leveraging demographic shifts to your advantage.
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