An exploration of how Australia’s population is changing and what the future might look like. The population surpassed 27.5 million in 2025 and growth will slow due to lower migration and fertility. The report includes sections on ageing, life expectancy and mortality, and introduces new 40‑year projections for states, territories, cities and regions.

In 2025, national and global events have placed pressure on Australian society. This report looks at what impact this has had on Australia's social cohesion, measured across five key areas. Despite the continuing national and global challenges of recent years, most of the indicators of social cohesion have been stable in the last two years.

Australian migration has recently been extremely volatile. Currently, there are two main criticisms of the Australian Government’s migration policies. This paper reviews the evidence and draws conclusions. It finds that the post-pandemic surge in net overseas migration was driven by global forces more than local ones.

This study provides insights into how the education, migration and employment systems can best work together to enhance the contribution made by international students to Australia’s skilled workforce. It provides 11 recommendations to support a strong Australian workforce built around capable and skilled workers.

This report reveals the depth and breadth of the challenges facing democratic governance worldwide. The four pillars of democracy – Representation, Rights, Rule of Law and Participation – are under strain. The report finds more than half of all countries assessed have declined in at least one key aspect of democratic performance over the past...