The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) has today published its latest Personal Insolvency Debtor Demographics release, offering new insights into the characteristics of Australians entering personal insolvency.
Drawing on 2024–25 data, the release outlines key demographic trends by age, gender, occupation, employment industry, housing and location. It shows a higher proportion of personal insolvencies continue to affect renters, men, people in their 30s and early 40s, and those working in trades, labour‑intensive and construction‑related roles.
AFSA Chief Executive and Inspector‑General in Bankruptcy, Tim Beresford, said
"Behind every personal insolvency statistic is a person or family experiencing financial pressure.
"This work helps us better understand who is at risk and why. It also helps financial counsellors, advisers, policymakers and regulators focus their efforts where support and safeguards can make the greatest difference.
"It's important to drive awareness around who might be at risk, so that the right people in our community get the right support.
"Data plays a critical role in supporting early intervention, integrity of the credit system and informed public discussion about financial vulnerability."
Mr Beresford will share the key findings of the release at the National Financial Counsellors Conference, hosted by Financial Counselling Australia in Cairns on 7 May, highlighting what the data reveals about emerging risks and what it means for frontline financial counsellors supporting Australians in distress.
The statistics reinforce AFSA's role as an evidence‑led regulator at the centre of the personal insolvency system, providing trusted information that supports individuals, creditors and practitioners, and strengthening confidence in Australia's credit system.
Mr Beresford said
"In a period of ongoing cost‑of‑living pressure, global economic uncertainty and misinformation, trusted data matters.
"By understanding the demographic realities of personal insolvency, we can better support early action for financially vulnerable Australians, reduce harm and help ensure the system operates fairly for everyone."
The Personal Insolvency Debtor Demographics statistics are available on the AFSA website, alongside interactive charts, maps and downloadable datasets.
