Australia’s population continues to increase: ABS

The nation’s population grew 1.5% by September 2007 compared to the same time a year before, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). We are now a nation of 21.1 million.

Net overseas migration contributed 179,100 people (56%) to Australia’s growth while natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) added 139,400 (44%) to the tally.

Nationally, Western Australia recorded the fastest population growth at 2.4%. This was followed by Queensland and the Northern Territory, both recording a growth rate of 2.2%.

Victoria, which has been making much of its growth recently, and the Australian Capital Territory both recorded population growth at the national average of 1.5%.

New South Wales and South Australia both had population growth rates of 1%, followed by Tasmania at 0.8%.

Net overseas migration was the largest contributor to population growth for most states and territories, especially South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Western Australia continued to have the fastest net overseas migration rate of all the states and territories.

Queensland remained a popular destination for interstate migrants with 102,200 people moving to Queensland from other states and territories (almost 2000 people per week).

Movement from Queensland to other states and territories was 75,200 (just over 1400 people per week). This resulted in a net gain for Queensland of 27,000 people from other states and territories.

Western Australia recorded a net increase of 4200 people from other states and territories.

At 30 September 2007, the resident population for each state and territory was: