Australia is entering a period of long-term labour scarcity and rapid demographic change driven by ageing, low fertility, and migration-led population growth. Hari Hara Priya Kannan, Chief Data Scientist at The Demographics Group, explains why these shifts matter for business and the economy. She outlines how population trends influence workforce availability, consumer behaviour, and long-term planning, and why these forces are structural rather than temporary. 

Hari discusses Australia’s increasing cultural diversity, the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, and the growing mismatch between skills supply and demand. She also explores how generational change is reshaping expectations of work, why small businesses can play a critical role in workforce development, and how AI will reshape tasks rather than eliminate jobs, increasing the value of adaptability, judgment, and human skills. 

Takeaways 

• Australia’s labour shortages are structural, driven by ageing populations and low fertility. 
• Most population growth now comes from migration rather than natural increase. 
• Businesses must plan for constant workforce churn and intensifying competition for talent. 
• Australia’s workforce and consumer base are becoming more multicultural and multi-generational. 
• Younger generations prioritise purpose, flexibility, and alignment over traditional career loyalty. 
• Small businesses can attract talent through authenticity, growth opportunities, and mentorship. 
• AI is replacing tasks, not people, increasing demand for human judgment. 
• Adaptability and continuous learning are essential skills in a rapidly changing economy. 

Follow Hari Hara Priya Kannan
https://www.tdgp.com.au/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hari-hara-priya-kannan/ 

Books on this episode
Adapt: Mastering change in four steps by Andrea Clarke https://amzn.to/3LtNtFC 

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