This has been revealed by the latest official figures released by the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
Record increase in Australia population—Immigration played a significant role in driving Australian population to highest figures since the year 2009.
The ABS maintains that in the March quarter, number of immigrants coming to Australia for permanent or long-term stay is said to be 135,000. This meant an increase of 22.8 percent in the number of migrants during this period.
Australia is likely to attract more immigrants in the coming times too. On the other hand, the number of those leaving Australia is said to be just 64,000.
Growth rate of Australian population went up to 1.5 percent in March this year from 1.1 percent in the year till March 2011. And it has been due to acceleration in the rate of NOM (net overseas migration), figures by the ABS confirm.
Foreign students, foreign workers led to population increase—As per the figures, an increasing number of foreigners coming to Australia, especially foreign workers as well as international students, led to rise in Australian population. For the quarter of March, net inflow in Australia is said to be 71,000.
And Australia witnessed arrival of 197,000 people for the year till March.
This means an increase of 18 percent (or 30,000) over the previous year. Number of migrants arriving in Australia for long-term stay or permanent settlement in 2011-12 is said to be 158,940. This is an increase over the figures of 127,470 for the year 2010-11.
Population growth in WA highest–WA (Western Australia) attracted highest number of migrants to work at mining projects. No wonder, this has made WA as fastest increasing population state in Australia.
Population of WA went up by 73,300(this means an increase of 3.1 percent). Figures show WA accounts for nearly fifty percent of increase in NOM.
Population growth rate in other Australian states has been quite low. South Australia witnessed a population growth rate of 0.9 percent, while population grew by 1.5 percent, 1 percent, 0.3 percent and 1.3 percent respectively in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.