3101.0 - Australian Demographic Statistics, Sep 2005  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 21/03/2006   
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MEDIA RELEASE

March 21, 2006
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
24/2006

Australia's population reaches 20.4 million
Australia's population reached 20.4 million in September 2005, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.

In the year ended September 2005, Australia's population increased by 238,800 people, representing an annual growth rate of 1.2%, consistent with levels recorded in recent years.

Natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) was 129,100 people, contributing to over half (54%) of the total population growth over this period. The remainder of the increase was due to net overseas migration (109,800 people).

All states and territories increased in population, with Queensland experiencing the largest increase (75,100 people) and the Australian Capital Territory the smallest (1,700 people).

The Northern Territory experienced its largest population increase, both in absolute number and percentage terms, since the year ended September 1997, with an annual growth rate of 1.7% (3,400 people). Natural increase was the main contributor to the Territory's population growth (2,800 people) while net overseas migration added a further 350 people. During this period the Northern Territory also recorded a net interstate migration gain of 210 people.


Further details about recent trends in Australia's population were released today in
Australian Demographic Statistics, September quarter 2005 (cat. no. 3101.0) available free of charge from the ABS web site <www.abs.gov.au>.