Australia Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
Australia's government debt was 51.91% in December 2025, up from 50.94% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 50.94%.
Australia's government debt stands at 51.91% as of December 2025. The government debt currently sits at 51.91% (up from 50.94% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 9.65% and 56.91%, and is 0.97% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 192 economies tracked on this platform, Australia ranks #102 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 50.94% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 50.94%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 51.91% |
| Dec 2024 | 50.94% |
| Dec 2023 | 49.42% |
| Dec 2022 | 50.04% |
| Dec 2021 | 55.37% |
| Dec 2020 | 56.91% |
| Dec 2019 | 46.53% |
| Dec 2018 | 41.60% |
Data: Source: IMF — International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity (IRFCL), International Liquidity (IL), Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFS), World Economic Outlook (WEO). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does Australia Have in 2026?
Australia's government debt was 51.91% in December 2025, up from 50.94% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 50.94%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in Australia?
It rose in the latest reading — 51.91% in December 2025 versus 50.94% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).