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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-18/birthrates-women-fertiliy-rates-children-population-growth/103849978>
'For decades, women in Australia have been told they should have more children
for the good of the country.
And in the lead up to this week's federal budget, we were reminded of former
treasurer Peter Costello's 2004 "baby bonus" catchcry to have "one for mum, one
for dad, and one for the country".
Australia's fertility rates have been plunging and our population growth has
mainly been driven by a high migration intake.
But on Tuesday night, the government revealed it will be slashing its
immigration program.
So, it's over to women to help balance the population as the country braces for
a "grey tsunami".
"It would be better if birth rates were higher," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said
this week.
These days, there's a long list of reasons why women don't want children, or
feel it's not possible in a world that's "not like it used to be".
And experts say big policy changes are needed, rather than putting a "bandaid
over a bullet hole" and expecting individuals to solve structural problems.
Even still, many women who spoke to the ABC say they just don't want kids and
"that should be OK".'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
