“The ongoing influx of overseas migrants has pushed Australia’s population beyond 27.5 million in the first quarter of the year,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
The ABS today released its national, state and territory population data for the March quarter 2025, covering births, deaths and migration.
“Australia took in a net inflow of 110,060 overseas migrants in the first quarter of the year, bringing the net inflow for the last 12 months to a total of 315,920,” added Mr Reardon.
“While this represents a continued moderation from earlier inflows, it is still well above the pre-pandemic decade average of less than 220,000.
“Moreover, leading indicators have been suggesting that Australian population growth, on the back of overseas migration, is likely to remain elevated compared to historical averages.
“The home building industry in Australia needs stable and reliable population settings, not the bust and boom settings seen over the last five years.
“HIA supports a managed migration system that delivers adequate skilled migrants in construction and building professions and trades to meet Australia’s ongoing housing needs.
“Volatile migration flows lead to undesirable economic, social and business outcomes.
“The Australian government creates housing demand through immigration, while state and local governments are responsible for housing supply and the price of homes reflects their ability to work cooperatively.
“The goal of stable and reliable migration pathways has not been balanced with the removal of restrictions on new home building necessary to meet demand.
“The Australian government’s Home Guarantee Scheme to help first home buyers into the market, and the streamlining of state planning systems, are welcome steps in the right direction.
“With time, more supply will be delivered as a result of recent policy announcements,” concluded Mr Reardon.
Several states and territories are now above their pre-pandemic decade population trajectories, led by Western Australia (+142,300) and Queensland (+137,060), particularly impressive for Western Australia with just half the total population of Queensland.
This is followed by South Australia (+47,520), Tasmania (+15,060), the Australian Capital Territory (+4,850) and the Northern Territory (+2,600). New South Wales (-66,640) and Victoria (-198,510) are still below their pre-pandemic decade population trajectories.
|
