Australia's Population Grows by More than 390,000 People in 12 Months
Net overseas migration eased to 292,100, and natural increase added 100,600 people as growth slowed to a four-year low, the bureau said.
- On September 17, 2026, Australian Bureau Head of Population Statistics Bjorn Jarvis reported Australia's population reached 27.9 million, growing 1.4% over the 12 months to March 2026.
- Net overseas migration fell to 292,100, marking the lowest level since June 2022 and dropping below 300,000 for the first time in four years as annual growth eased.
- Regional growth varied significantly, with Western Australia recording the fastest pace at 2.1%, Tasmania the slowest at 0.6%, and Queensland at 1.6% amid shifting interstate migration patterns.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers claims the government is 'ahead of schedule' on migration reduction, while the Coalition criticized current levels as an alleged 'highway to hell.'
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is prioritizing skilled migrants to address housing shortages and tradie deficits, announcing new measures last month to recalibrate temporary visa intake.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Australia’s population hits 27.9 million as newborn numbers dip
The nation’s population growth rate continues to slow and the government still faces a battle to hit its net overseas migration forecast.
Immigration growth at slowest pace in four years
Australia’s net overseas migration and population growth are both at four-year lows, but 800 foreigners are still moving in every day.
Australia's population grows 1.4 pct in year to March 2026
CANBERRA, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Australia's population grew 1.4 percent in the 12 months to March 2026, reaching 27.9 million, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday. The population increased by 392,700 people from the same time a year earlier, ABS Head of Population Statistics Bjorn Jarvis said in a statement. Natural increase, the number of births minus dea
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