I'm not sure if CASA publishes similar statistics but the JAA and the UK CAA have released figures showing the number of initial instrument rating issues + renewals (a fairly good indicator of active professional licences) is substantially down and has been for the last 8 months or so.
In fact they are down so far that the number issued this year won't cover the estimated retirements in the same period. If this trend continues - we may well have a pilot sh.......... no I won't say it!