NSW DEMOGRAPHY UPDATE

Latest snapshot of NSW

The NSW population at 31 December 2006 was 6,854,800 people, an increase of 64,000 people (0.9%) on the previous 12 months. During 2006 there were 87,300 births and 46,100 deaths in NSW. NSW also recorded a net overseas migration gain of 46,800 people and a net interstate migration loss of 25,300 people in 2006. For quarterly information on these and other key demographic indicators see Australian Demographic Statistics, December 2006 (cat. no. 3101.0)

Migration

NSW recorded a net overseas migration gain of 42,200 people for the 2005–06 financial year. During the same period, NSW recorded a net interstate migration loss of 24,000 people comprising 81,100 arrivals to NSW and 105,100 departures. Arrivals were primarily from Queensland (33,200) and Victoria (21,300). Similarly, departures were mainly to Queensland (51,000) and Victoria (23,300).

For detailed annual information on all aspects on migration see Migration, Australia, 2005–06 (cat. no. 3412.0). For the latest monthly information on overseas migration see Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia, Apr 2007 (cat. no. 3401.0).

NSW in Focus

NSW in Focus, 2007 (cat. no. 1338.1) includes a range of demographic and health statistics at the state and regional level. Latest mortality figures show that deaths from ischaemic heart disease declined from 124.3 deaths per 100,000 persons in 2000 to 104.4 in 2005. During the same period, deaths from cancer (malignant neoplasms) increased from 163.4 per 100,00 persons to 176.6. National data on causes of death is available annually in the publication Causes of Death, Australia, 2005 (cat. no. 3303.0).



Improved methods for estimating net overseas migration

Over recent years there has been a large increase in the volumes of international travellers crossing Australia's borders. There has also been increased frequency of travel, and significant volatility in the patterns of international travel. In response, the ABS has developed improved methods for estimating net overseas migration and determining how many international travellers are to be accounted for in estimating the Australian population. The Information Paper: Statistical Implications of Improved Methods for Estimating Net Overseas Migration, Australia 2007 (cat. no. 3107.0.55.005) provides an overview of these improved methods and analysis of the statistical impacts on estimates of net overseas migration for the period from December quarter 2003 to June quarter 2006.

Estimates calculated using the improved methods will be applied in compiling estimates of the resident population of Australia, the states and territories from September quarter 2006. Estimates for September and December quarters 2006 were released on 5 June 2007 in Australian Demographic Statistics, December Quarter 2006 (cat. no. 3101.0).

For further information contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070, email client.services@abs.gov.au.