After the end of World War II (in 1945), Australia's population was just over 7 million. All over the industrialised world, men returned from military service and began to re-establish their lives in the civilian workforce. The period from 1945 to 1960 was known as the ''baby boomer'' years. Australia's birth rate soared. Family sizes were much larger than today.

By 1971, 45% of the Australian population was under the age of 24 years, and 28% was aged between 0 and 14 years. The period from 1945 to 1971 was a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity for Australia. The unemployment rate was rarely over 2% of the labour force. Indeed, the Liberal government, lead by Robert Menzies, nearly lost power in 1961 because of its concern over rising inflation in the Australian economy. Menzies raised interest rates and cut government spending, in an attempt to cut demand pull inflation. This resulted in unemployment rising sharply (to 3%!) and the electorate nearly voted the Liberal/National coalition out of power.

Since 1975, Australia's family demography has changed. The percentage of families with dependent children (under 18 years old) has decreased, while the percentage of families made up of a couple only has increased. The ''baby boomers'' have left home. The following statistics illustrate the ''ageing'' of the Australian family.