This CEPAR research brief synthesises the latest evidence on Australia’s ageing workforce, showing that workers aged 55+ now make up 19% of the labour force, more than double the share in 1991. Despite population ageing, workforce ageing is projected to occur more slowly — largely because Baby Boomers will retire and mature‑age participation growth is decelerating. The brief highlights that older Australians today are healthier, more educated, and more willing to work than previous generations, but still face barriers in health, training, care responsibilities, and ageism. It outlines how employers and policymakers can unlock this “untapped talent pool” to strengthen economic prosperity.
Key Insights
- Workers aged 55+ have doubled their workforce share from 9% (1991) to 19% (2021).
- Without intervention, workforce ageing will be slower than population ageing due to Boomer retirements and slowing participation growth.
- Older Australians are healthier and more educated than ever, representing a major economic opportunity.
- Australia performs poorly compared to leading countries on mature‑age worker outcomes.
- Employers need stronger strategies for recruitment, redeployment, flexibility, and lifelong learning.
- Government can support through health investment, training access, incentives, and regulatory reform.
