Australian economy punishes younger Australians

Tuesday 13 May 2025

The most recent Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey from the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Institute revealed a growing wealth discrepancy across the country.

As illustrated below, older Australians’ wealth has increased the most over the past two decades.

Australians aged 75 and over saw the greatest percentage rise in their wealth (+130%), followed by those aged 65 to 74 (+125%).

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About the author

Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.