 Overall , the war had a significantly negative impact on the Australia economy . Real aggregate Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) declined by 9 @.@ 5 per cent over the period 1914 to 1920 , while the mobilization of personnel resulted in a 6 per cent decline in civilian employment . Meanwhile , although population growth continued during the war years , it was only half that of the prewar rate . Per capita incomes also declined sharply , falling by 16 per cent . 
