Social infrastructure

Like many countries, Australia's population is ageing. The number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double by 2055, with one in 1,000 people projected to be aged over 100. In 1975, this was one in 10,000. This rate is projected to accelerate in coming years and grow at a faster rate than the broader population.22

Australia's ageing population will require federal, state and territory governments to spend an increasing proportion of their income on health and aged care facilities. Governments will be looking to the private sector to help bridge funding gaps.

In addition, Australia's fast-growing general population requires the construction of additional schools, defence, justice and other social infrastructure.

PPPs are common for these types of projects due to the availability and attractiveness of payment structures. Recent PPP projects include the New Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia, Ravenhall Prison in Victoria, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the Queensland Schools Project.

Rail crossing, Western Australia.