Bernard Salt

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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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 "double majority" of both the states and voters across the country to trigger constitutional changes, with most referendums in the past having failed. (Photo by Roni Bintang/Getty Images)

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

Older livingWeekend Australian Magazine

Two active seniors with their bicycles on the beach

At what age are we most content?

Being old is limiting only if you allow it to be so. While improved expectancy does give more years at the tail end of life, what really matters is what you do with that time.

Bernard Salt

Our island homeWeekend Australian Magazine

COMMONWEALTH INAUGURATIONSydney en fete January 1st, 1901.Panorama of Centennial Park, right portion.(Pic: Henry King - Chronicle 12 Jan 1901 pLO4)federation historical 1900s crowd parade ceremony/Australia/History

The Australia we know wasn’t always a sure thing

Imagine an Australian continent had we not unified via federation in 1901? It’s a vision of calamity, cross-border bickering and snafu over natural resources.

Bernard Salt

PropertyProperty

Winners and losers: Who owns Australia’s homes?

The variation in homeownership levels reflect core Australian and immigrant values. And religion is part of the story.

Bernard Salt

the lives of usThe Weekend Australian Magazine

Couples Dancing And Drinking At Evening Party

Relationships used to be simple, but now … it’s complicated

Courtship was once as straightforward as selecting a partner at a local deb ball. But in 2023, things have changed.

Bernard Salt

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/bernard-salt/page/9