In contrast, fertility rates for women in their 30s have steadily increased. The long term result is a slight reduction in fertility rates mainly because of more women choosing not to have children, women delaying childbearing, and women generally having a lesser number of children. The fertility rates for those in the 20 to 24 and 25 to 29 year age groups are forecast to continue to decrease over the period of the projections, and the rates for the 30 to 34 years age group is forecast to continue to increase. In 1999, it has fallen to the lowest rate recorded at 18.1. The NT has by far the highest fertility rate in Australia, followed by Tasmania and Queensland.
Indigenous mothers have a higher fertility rate.
Births to Indigenous mothers in Canberra are by far the lowest in Australia. The mortality rates in the forecasts are based on the data in the ABS life tables. Expectations of life are forecast to continue to remain slightly higher in Canberra than the national average. TOP OF PAGE . Demographics ACT .