Facts and figures on Australian migration

Australia’s population has grown at around one to two percent a year, generally. There were exceptions due to economic and other unforeseen events. For instance, during the financial crisis in 2008-2009 population growth was two percent as expats returned home to escape overseas economies that were collapsing.

Another instance was during Covid when our borders were shut, then population growth was at just 0.1 percent which is the lowest for decades, it equated to around 25,000 people.

However, when borders re-opened after Covid there was a population surge and the number of people increased by 663,000 in a 12-month period.

These are the dips and highs that have been on Australia’s doorstep in the past few years. Net overseas migration over the past five years is not much larger than it was in the five years before Covid in early 2020.

Our natural population growth, that gained by birth rates has been dipping but our attrition rate, those dying has lifted as more and more baby boomers and those in the generation before them reach old age.

So, immigration is the leading source of population growth for the country. The Australian Bureau of Statistics also refers to ‘net overseas migration’ which is also known as NOM. This is how many people left the country versus how many arrived. It does not include those people coming on tourist visas or on short term stays but it does count those on temporary visas.

Whatever federal government is in power at the time estimates what the NOM will be for four years into the future. Some of the factors that influence NOM are controllable like the government’s immigration policy, and others are not, like Covid. These figures are always cause for debate as they are only estimates, sometimes they come in higher and sometimes lower.

The government has confirmed that Australia’s permanent migration program will remain unchanged, with the annual cap staying at 185,000 places. It follows consultation with the states and territories, which recommended maintaining the size and composition of the current program, that has a focus on skilled migration. Maintaining the cap at 185,000 provides a steadying influence for employers and states.

Employer sponsored state and territory nominated and regional visas remain at the head of the skilled intake; the government is prioritising employer sponsored and regional skilled applications.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash