Australia's Billionaires Get Richer as Wealth Disparity Widens

Australia's Wealth Gap Widens: Billionaire Wealth Soars While Millions Struggle Australia is facing a stark reality: a widening gap between the ultra-rich and the majority of its citizens. A recent report reveals the combined net worth of the 200 wealthiest Australians has reached a staggering \$667 billion in 2025. This staggering figure stands in stark contrast to the struggles faced by millions of Australians grappling with the rising cost of living, inflation, and a housing crisis. The number of billionaires in Australia has more than doubled in the last decade, climbing from 74 in 2015 to 161 in 2025. This dramatic increase is further underscored by data from Oxfam, which shows that billionaire wealth grew by an average of \$137 million each day during this period. The disparity is even more pronounced when considering that the average rich-lister now has over 116,000 times the wealth of someone in the bottom 50% of the population. This means the gap is widening. Adding to the grim picture, a report from Monash University reveals a concerning 30% decline in wealth held by the bottom 40% of Australians over the past 20 years. This significant drop highlights the deepening economic inequality within the country. "This drastic accumulation of wealth lays bare the disparity between the top 1% and the rest of the population," stated Ursula Heger from 10 News First Australia in the report. The combination of inflation, falling real wages, and a lack of access to affordable housing only exacerbates the challenges faced by many Australians. Currently, one in five people in Australia lives in financial stress. Addressing this widening wealth gap requires a multifaceted approach, involving policy changes and social initiatives to promote economic equality and create opportunities for all Australians.