Canberra — The demographic experiment

Summary

The ACT population has always been considered to be different from that of the other capital cities and from the overall population of Australia, and in many respects this is true. At the same time, however, recent data suggest that the ACT population profile is now converging towards the Australian experience.

The transition point appears to have occurred in the early 1970s, and probably went unnoticed at the time. Signs of a turning-point are now evident in the slowing down of the rates of growth, the increased proportion of elderly persons, the decline in the female labour force participation rates at the younger ages, a convergence to the Australian level in the proportion in high status occupations, and the indication that the ACT is now becoming a centre for health, welfare and other services for persons from the surrounding country areas. From a planning point of view recognition is needed that the ACT can no longer cater solely for the affluent, middle class “normal” nuclear family, and needs to be aware of its role as a provider of services, housing and transport for the growing numbers of elderly and other disadvantaged groups.

At the same time, however, it should be emphasised that the behaviour of Canberra people is not as extreme as some popular myths suggest, particularly with regard to the level of fertility, the incidence of divorce, and the labour force activity of married women.