15 November 2007

Immigration to South Australia at record levels

The number of people moving into South Australia is at its highest level for 25 years, newly published statistics have revealed

The figures, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, show that 12,600 people moved to the state from overseas in the first quarter of 2007 - the largest gain by any state in a quarter of a century.

South Australia currently has targets to increase migration into the state, with a target population of two million people by 2050.

Michael Hickinbotham, chairman of the Australian Population Institute, said that South Australia's drive to recruit from overseas was paying off.

"I think the state is doing an excellent job," he said.

"It's a great example of a state government being proactive in the effort to grow the population in a responsible and sustainable way and it's supported by the federal government with the regional visa program."

South Australia needs skilled immigrants: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.