The industry
Significant changes in environmental, social, and economic conditions are altering Australians’ lifestyles and the services they require from social sector agencies.
These shifts are shaping a future population characterised by diversity, digitalisation, urbanisation, and an ageing demographic.
Key trends shaping the future of the Australian social sector include:
1
Population Growth
Australia’s population will reach around 30 million people by 2031, an increase of around 3.5 million people from 2023. This will place pressure on public infrastructure, services, the environment, and finite natural resources
2
Ageing Population
The proportion of people aged 65 to 84 years is expected to more than double over the coming years and the number over 85 will quadruple. This will have significant implications for healthcare and aged care systems and the structure of the labour market
3
Digital Transformation
The future of the social sector is being shaped by digital transformation, marking a significant shift towards enhanced efficiency, inclusivity, and accessibility. This will revolutionise how services are delivered, promoting greater engagement with the community
4
Personalisation
Demand for more customer centric services will likely shift the focus to designing tailored services that meet the unique needs of individuals. Social sector organisations will need to adapt their service delivery models and invest in new capabilities to better understand the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of the community
5
Sustainability
Climate change, concerns over environmental quality and natural resource limitations will profoundly shape public service strategies and operations with energy-efficient practices, sustainable procurement, waste reduction measures critical in the social sector.
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