Lyla Lindsey
Australia has a long history of immigration, dating back to the First Fleet in 1788. Since then, the country has seen significant waves of migration, including the Gold Rush era in the mid-19th century and the post-World War II era, which saw a large influx of immigrants from Europe. In recent years, Australia has continued to experience high population growth due to immigration, with net overseas migration increasing from 30,042 in 1992-93 to 536,000 in 2022-23. The latest data from June 2024 shows that 31.5% of Australia's population was born overseas, with the top countries of birth contributing to population changes including India, the UK, and China.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migration to Australia in 2022-23 | 536,000 |
| Migration to Australia in 2023-24 | 445,640 |
| Migration to Australia in 2023 (Q3) | 145,200 |
| Migration to Australia in 2023 (Q3) | 157,684 (record) |
| Migration to Australia in 2024 | 659,000 |
| Migration target for 2024 | 375,000 |
| Net migration in 2015-16 | 178,582 |
| Percentage of population 65 or older | 2% |
| Median age of overseas-born population in 2024 | 43 years |
| Percentage of population born overseas in 2004 | 23.8% |
| Percentage of population born overseas in 2024 | 31.5% |
| Number of convicts brought to Australia by the end of penal transportation in 1868 | 165,000 |
| Year Australia launched its post-World War II immigration program | 1947 |
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What You'll Learn
Post-WWII immigration: a large wave of immigrants from Europe
Following World War II, Australia experienced a large wave of immigration from Europe, which significantly contributed to the country's population growth and cultural transformation. This period of immigration, often referred to as the "post-war immigration drive," lasted from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the White Australia policy in 1973.
In the immediate aftermath of the war, Prime Minister Ben Chifley established the federal Department of Immigration to administer a large-scale immigration program. Arthur Calwell, Australia's first Minister for Immigration, promoted mass immigration with the slogan "populate or perish." This slogan reflected the belief that increasing Australia's population was crucial for defence and development. Calwell's policies targeted citizens of Commonwealth countries, but they gradually extended to other European countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, and later, southern and eastern European nations.
Financial assistance was a significant component of Australia's post-war immigration program. Various agreements were in place between the Australian government and international organisations to facilitate the migration process. The Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, also known as the "Ten-Pound Pom" scheme, offered free or assisted passages to immigrants from the United Kingdom. This scheme proved extremely popular with British citizens seeking a new start after the war.
Between the end of World War II and 1954, approximately 182,159 people were sponsored by the International Refugee Organization (IRO) to resettle in Australia from Europe. Additionally, from 1946 to 1960, 1.2 million people migrated to Australia, with Europe being a significant source of immigrants during this period. This wave of immigration brought large numbers of southern and central Europeans to Australia, seeking opportunities in the booming manufacturing industry and government-assisted programmes.
The post-war immigration wave from Europe played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's multicultural identity. It marked a shift from the country's previous limiting migration practices, such as the "White Australia policy," towards a more inclusive and diverse society. By the 1970s, Australia had adopted a non-discriminatory immigration policy, opening its doors to migrants from Asia and other regions, and embracing multiculturalism as a defining feature of the nation.
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Gold Rush era: large numbers of British and Irish settlers
Australia has a long history of immigration, with various factors influencing the migration patterns over the years. One significant period that shaped the country's demographic landscape was the Gold Rush era, which commenced in 1851. This period witnessed a substantial influx of British and Irish settlers, significantly contributing to the country's population growth.
The discovery of gold in regions like Victoria, Australia, sparked a frenzy of prospectors and adventurers seeking their fortune. The promise of wealth and a better life lured large numbers of people from Britain and Ireland to embark on arduous journeys to the Australian continent. This migration trend mirrored similar gold rushes in other parts of the world, such as California, South Africa, and British Columbia.
During the Australian Gold Rush, the population witnessed an enormous expansion, not only from British and Irish settlers but also from smaller groups of Germans, other Europeans, and Chinese migrants. The lure of gold attracted people from diverse backgrounds, each hoping to strike it rich. However, the reality of gold mining proved challenging, and only a select few made substantial fortunes.
The impact of the Gold Rush extended beyond the immediate economic benefits. The influx of settlers led to the establishment and expansion of settlements, towns, and infrastructure. Agriculture and ranching industries flourished to meet the demands of the burgeoning population. Additionally, the Gold Rush era left a lasting cultural imprint, with numerous towns and locations in Australia still bearing the imprint of that period, such as Castlemaine, Marybororgh, Clunes, and Ballarat.
The Gold Rush era played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's demographic and cultural landscape. The significant influx of British and Irish settlers during this period contributed to the country's population growth and left an indelible mark on the nation's history, influencing its social fabric, economy, and cultural diversity.
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COVID-19 impact: net migration loss in 2020-21
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted migration patterns to Australia, causing a net migration loss in 2020-21. International travel restrictions implemented during the pandemic resulted in a decline in net overseas migration across every state and territory in Australia.
In the years preceding the pandemic, Australia consistently recorded a net gain in its population due to migration. For instance, in 2018-19, the country registered a net increase of 241,300 people. However, during the pandemic, this trend reversed, and Australia experienced a net loss of 88,800 people in 2020-21. This decrease was driven by a 71% drop in immigration, from 506,900 to 145,800, and a 25% decline in emigration, from 314,200 to 234,600.
The pandemic disrupted historical migration patterns, with Australia recording a net migration loss for the first time since World War I. This loss was attributed to a combination of factors, including travel restrictions, which limited the entry of temporary migrants, particularly international students, and the impact of the pandemic on migration decisions.
In 2021-22, Australia's migration trends began to recover, with a notable increase in migrant arrivals on temporary visas, driven primarily by student visa holders. The number of people migrating to Australia on permanent visas also increased during this period. This recovery continued into 2023-24, with overseas migration contributing a net gain of 445,640 people to the Australian population, indicating a rebound from the net migration loss experienced during the peak of the pandemic in 2020-21.
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2023-24: net gain of 445,640 people
Australia has a long history of immigration, dating back to the First Fleet's arrival in 1788. In the 19th century, the country saw an influx of convicts, with approximately 165,000 people entering as part of the penal transportation scheme by 1868. The Bounty Immigration Scheme and the establishment of the South Australia Company further encouraged migration during this period.
Fast forward to the post-World War II era, and Australia experienced a massive wave of immigration, particularly from Europe. This trend continued into the 21st century, with Asia becoming the largest source of immigrants. Despite interruptions like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a temporary halt in immigration, Australia's population has generally been on the rise due to net positive migration.
The financial year 2023-24 is a testament to Australia's continued appeal as a migration destination. During this period, the country recorded a net gain of 445,640 people through overseas migration. This significant increase contributed to the population growth in every state and territory. For example, Victoria saw a gain of 132,860 people, Tasmania gained 3,820, and the Australian Capital Territory welcomed 6,520 new residents.
The net gain in 2023-24 is a notable recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a net loss in migration during 2020-21. The latest figures indicate a resurgence in Australia's attractiveness as a migration destination, with people from diverse countries choosing to call Australia home. This trend is further evidenced by the increase in the proportion of Australia's population born overseas, rising to 31.5% in 2024, up from 30.7% in 2023.
While the Australian government has expressed intentions to reduce migration arrivals, the numbers continue to rise. The net gain of 445,640 people in 2023-24 is a significant contribution to Australia's population growth and reflects the country's ongoing appeal as a desired migration destination.
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$23.38 $29.9
Population ageing: immigration slows ageing of population
Australia has experienced significant immigration over the past century, with notable waves of migration occurring after World War II, during the Gold Rush era, and in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The country's immigration policies and demographic makeup have evolved, transitioning from the ""White Australia Policy" to a celebration of multiculturalism and ethnic diversity.
Population Ageing in Australia:
Australia, like many developed nations, is facing the challenge of population ageing. This phenomenon is primarily driven by sustained low fertility rates and increasing life expectancy, resulting in a larger proportion of people aged 65 and above. Between 1920 and 2000, the median age of the total population increased from 22.6 to 35.2 years, and by 2020, it had risen further to 38 years. This ageing population trend is projected to continue in the coming decades.
Immigration's Impact on Ageing:
Immigration has played a crucial role in slowing the rate of population ageing in Australia. Modelling has shown that in the absence of migration, Australia's average age would have increased at a faster rate. The impact of immigration on ageing is influenced by the age and number of immigrants compared to the average age of the population. The shift towards a skilled migration program and an increase in international students have contributed to slowing the rate of ageing.
Regional Variations:
While immigration has slowed ageing at a national level, the impact varies across regions. For instance, Tasmania, the oldest state by median age (42 years), has experienced a unique set of demographic challenges. Interstate migration of younger adults from Tasmania to the Australian mainland has contributed to accelerated ageing on the island state. Despite national policy initiatives, Tasmania's average age increased from 38.6 years to 41 years between 2005 and 2015, highlighting the complex dynamics of population ageing in different regions.
Future Considerations:
The Australian government's policies and initiatives have influenced migration trends and slowed population ageing. However, critics argue that accommodating a larger population through migration may lead to the requirement for an even larger migration intake in subsequent years as the migrant population also ages. Nevertheless, immigration remains a critical component in shaping Australia's demographic landscape and addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.
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Frequently asked questions
536,000 people migrated to Australia in 2022-23.
445,640 people migrated to Australia in 2023-24.
The number of people who migrated to Australia in 2021 is unclear, but the population grew by a record 659,000 between 2022 and 2024.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Europeans migrated to Australia after World War II, including over 1,000,000 British subjects.
By the end of the penal transportation in 1868, approximately 165,000 people had entered Australia as convicts.
