Australia's population growth rate has risen to the highest level in 18 years and Western Australia is leading the way with growth of 2.35 per cent in the year to Sepetmber 2007.
Australia's population growth rate has risen to the highest level in 18 years and Western Australia is leading the way with growth of 2.35 per cent in the year to Sepetmber 2007.
The national growth was driven mainly by increased migration. The number of migrants settling in Australia (after netting out departures) was 179,100, the largest in Australia's history.
The increase in immigration meant that Australia's population expanded by a record 318,500 people or 1.53 per cent over the year to September.
The wave of immigration to WA prompted state opposition claims that the government had dropped the ball on housing.
In addition to immigration, 264,300 babies were born over the year to September, the largest number of births since the introduction of quarterly records over 26 years.
CommSec said the remarkable lift in Australia's population has significant consequences for the economy.
"The faster rate of population growth means that the economy can grow at a faster pace without lifting the rate of inflation or necessitating higher interest rates," CommSec said in a commentary.
"Certainly its not just China's demand for resources that is propelling the Australian economy forward. The increase in skilled migration helps meet the demand for labour by Australia's employers.
"While an increase in migrants sees further demand for housing, general retail spending and even the purchase of more costly white goods. In short, the inflow of skilled migrants creates a virtuous cycle of higher employment, spending and investment, while keeping a lid on inflationary pressures."
Australia's population stood at 21,097,100 people as at September 2007.
Over the year to September, 53,488 migrants settled in NSW, followed by 48,22 people in Victoria, 33,696 people in Queensland, 27,365 people in Western Australia, 12,803 people in South Australia, 1,705 people in Northern Territory, 1,606 people in Tasmania and 895 people in ACT.
Australia's population expanded by a record 318,500 people over the year to September. .
Natural increase (births less deaths) was 131,900 in the year to September - the second largest increase in 13 years.
There were 264,300 babies born in the year to September 2007, the largest number of births since quarterly records were implemented over 26 years ago.
Over the past year population growth was fastest in Western Australia (2.35 per cent), followed by Queensland (2.21 per cent), Northern Territory (2.18 per cent), ACT (1.54 per cent), Victoria (1.52 per cent). States with the weakest population growth have the weakest economic growth - NSW (1.04 per cent population growth) and South Australia (1.02 per cent) and Tasmania (0.81 per cent).
