The term ‘working age’ implies a focus on the labour force. While this chapter does explore
‘working’-related issues—namely labour force participation, employment, unemployment and
underemployment—it also examines other factors relevant to the working-age cohort such as
educational status, family formation and re-formation, home ownership and child care.
More than one-half of the Australian population—53% or 12 million people—are aged between 25
and 64. The size of the working-age population has an impact on the economy as it accounts for a
large proportion of the productive workforce—as Australia’s population ages, the proportion of all
Australians dependent on this workforce will continue to slowly rise.