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Bernard Salt is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading social commentators by business, the media and the broader community. He is the Managing Director of The Demographics Group, and he writes weekly columns for The Australian that deal with social, generational and demographic matters.

@BernardSalt

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COMMENTARYColumnists

Brothers playing soccer in their backyard

Our gardens have changed – and we’ve lost something

There are many ways modern prosperity hascreated a better quality of life. But there are some things – like a kid-friendly, far-from-perfect garden – that we seem to be leaving behind.

Bernard Salt

COMMENTARYWeekend Australian Magazine

The Australian Coat of Arms that includes and kangaroo and emu above the front entrance of Parliament House in Canberra with the giant Australian flag flying on the top of the building behind.

Canberra thinks differently to Australia – that’s a problem

How can a workforce without exposure to the lives of everyday Australians make truly informed decisions about this same community?

Bernard Salt

family tiesWeekend Australian Magazine

Grandparent, grandchild. Picture: iStock

Behold the time-travelling magic of overlapping lives

My message to kids is to speak up: ask grandparents whatever you want to know. And to grandparents: your job is to instil endless wonder, curiosity and awe in your stories.

Bernard Salt

bernard saltProperty

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, July 14 2018: Five Public Transport Victoria trams are on Swanston Street while pedestrians cross the road at the intersection of Bourke Street.

Rising population: what next for the Lucky Country?

The nation is on the cusp of a new era – and our rising population will drive us there.

Bernard Salt

COMMENTARYWeekend Australian Magazine

*** BESTPIX *** MUSWELLBROOK, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 14: A voter cast his vote at a polling centre at Stan Thiess Memorial Center on October 14, 2023 in Muswellbrook, Australia. A referendum for Australians to decide on an indigenous voice to parliament was held on October 14, 2023 and compelled all Australians to vote by law. Early voting began on Oct. 2, and activity has been intensifying in both the YES and NO camps, with multiple polls showing the YES campaign headed for defeat nationally. Australia requires a

The referendum highlighted a split in this country

A referendum is a lot like a census. This past one shows us we need to work harder to ensure that we include the opinions and the thinking of Middle Australia going forward.

Bernard Salt

CommentaryWeekend Australian Magazine

Shot of a happy family playing cricket on the beachhttp://195.154.178.81/DATA/i_collage/pu/shoots/806441.jpg i stock image

Retirement is a nebulous concept … until it happens

You are cruising through life on the late 40s highway – dealing with work, teenagers, mortgage – when it occurs to you that ‘understanding super’ is something maybe you should be across.

Bernard Salt

CommentaryWeekend Australian Magazine

WFH supercharges a worrying trend

This idea of organising work around life rather than life around work has taken off. But remote working has exposed a bigger issue.

Bernard Salt

PropertyProperty

Developing Queensland - A young Caucasian male construction worker is having a phone call, while sitting down and holding the renovation plans.

Understanding your market: milestones and markers

We are a nation of 30-year-old managerial Millennials, 44-year-olds busily going to Bunnings and ageing baby boomers that should beware the winter months of potential funerals.

Bernard Salt

WORKPLACE RELATIONSWeekend Australian Magazine

CAREERS: unmotivated young worker. Picture: iStock

Young workers need a different set of skills to succeed

They need empathy and maturity to know precisely when to push and when to parry. Some call this the ability to “read the room”. But, how do you acquire it?

Bernard Salt

InquirerInquirer

Home ownership in Australia peaked in 1966. Picture: Nikki Short/Mark Stewart/Supplied

Peak house: golden year of homeownership uncovered

This is perhaps the most compelling demographic chart I have seen. In this era, we got the housing balance right. What did Australia look like then, and what are the implications for the future?

Bernard Salt

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/bernard-salt/page/12