Australian spent $137 billion on welfare in the 2008-09 period, according to research conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). With more than $113 billion of that spent on health.

 

Of the total welfare spend, $94 billion was for direct cash payments to citizens, with 72% of cash payments ($68 billion) being directed to families and older Australians.

 

The biennial report, Australia’s welfare 2011, presents the latest national statistics on welfare services and factors influencing wellbeing in Australia. It was launched in Canberra by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin.

 

AIHW Director and CEO David Kalisch said that while Australians generally enjoy a good standard of living, several features of our society require the delivery of services to support those in need.

 

“Australia’s ageing population, its shifting geographic profile, changing workforce and education patterns, and developing trends in family structure, have all contributed to an ever-changing, varied, and complex society—one with welfare needs as diverse as its people”, Mr Kalisch said.

 

“Population ageing is expected to continue over the next two decades as the proportion of people aged over 65 is projected to rise from its current level of around 1 in 7 to 1 in 5.”

 

The full report can be found here