25 June 2008

Population boom result of Australian immigration

Australia's population is seeing huge growth, thanks to a small baby boom and increasing levels of immigration. The population of the country has hit a ten-year high according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The ABS said in 2007 the number of people living in the country rose by 1.6 per cent to 21,181,000; the highest population increase since 1988. Officials say this is in part due to high levels of Australian immigration.

Australian visa holders seem to prefer Western Australia and the Northern Territory, which have seen the highest population growth at 2.4 per cent. Immigration accounted for over half the rise in population, at 56 per cent. This means, per day, more than 1,100 people are choosing to become Australian visa holders.

South Australia particularly is campaigning to attract more immigration to boost its population levels. Peter Vaughan, chief executive of Business SA, recently called for debate about the population growth rate and its connection with levels of immigration. He told Adelaide Now, “We’re keen to see the population [of South Australia] reach two million people over the next 15 years”, and is looking to immigration to source the increase.

Australia needs skilled workers: 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.