AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Australian population tops 21 million mark

Thursday, 7 June 2007

According to the preliminary results of the 2006 Census, Australia’s population increased by 1.4% during the 12 months up to December, 2006.

Figures released on Tuesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also show that the number of births in Australia in 2006 was 265,922, the second highest figure on record.

With less than 134,000 deaths, the natural increase in the Australian population was 132,000.

Together with the increasing births, high immigration is adding more than 280,000 people a year to the population, and the ABS is now predicting that the Australian population will top the 21,000,000 mark on June 29, this year.

The immigration increase comes in light of the Department of Immigration and Citizenships (DIAC's) recently released 2007-08 Migration Programme intake with a planning level set at 152,800 places for skilled and family migrants.

In 2004 Treasurer and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, Peter Costello famously urged Australians to have more babies including "one for mum, one for dad and one for the country."

Mr. Costello said people have also been encouraged by the government's family-friendly policies such as the baby bonus, increased family benefits, more childcare places, and the introduction of the childcare rebate.

He said a higher birth rate would help Australia deal with the challenges of an ageing population.

With Australia also experiencing the lowest level of unemployment in 31 years, the lately ABS figures will present potential migrants with concrete employment opportunities and an encouraging future on Australia’s growing shores.