Australia has experienced its ­largest increase in net migration in several years with 245,400 new arrivals in the 12 months to July, or an increase of 27 per cent over the previous year, according to the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The last time net migration eclipsed 246,000 entrants was in the 12 months to December in 2009.

The ABS says the estimated resident population (ERP) of Australia at 30 June 2017 was 24,598,900 people.

This is an increase of 388,100 people since 30 June 2016, and 87,200 people since 31 March 2017.

The ABS estimated the increase due to births for the year ended 30 June 2017 was 7.5 per cent, or 11,600 – people lower than the natural increase recorded for the previous year.

The bureau estimated net overseas migration for the year ended 30 June 2017 at 245,400 people – or 27.1 per cent. This was 52,400 people higher than the net overseas migration recorded for the previous year.

Australia’s population grew by 1.6 per cent during the year ended 30 June 2017. Births and new arrivals contributed 36.8 per cent and 63.2 per cent respectively to total population growth for the year.

All states and territories recorded positive population growth in the year. Victoria recorded the highest growth rate of all states and territories at 2.3 per cent. The Northern Territory recorded the lowest growth rate at 0.1 per cent.

Some commentators have slammed the figures say the increase may make the economy seem like it is growing when individuals are no better off and added strain is placed on infrastructure.

Other groups, including the Australian Industry Group, say that immigration and the skills it brings to Australia is vital to the economy.

Laurie Nowell
AMES Australia Senior Journalist