MEDIA RELEASE
December 4, 2007	Embargoed 11.30 am (AEDT)	124/2007
Australia's population passes 21 million

Australia's population reached a milestone 21 million during the June quarter 2007 fuelled by the highest population growth rate since 1989, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.

The increase of 315,700 people resulted in an estimated 1.5% growth rate. Net overseas migration contributed to over half (56% or 177,600 people) of Australia's growth, while natural increase contributed 44% (272,900 births minus 134,800 deaths).

Western Australia recorded the highest growth rate of all states and territories (2.3%), followed by Queensland at 2.2%, Northern Territory 2.0%, Australian Capital Territory 1.7%, Victoria 1.5%, New South Wales 1.1%, South Australia 1.0% and Tasmania at 0.7%.

Fertility rates on the rise
Australia recorded the largest ever annual number of births (272,900) in the 12 months to 30 June 2007.

Australian fertility rates are also on the rise. The total fertility rate rose to 1.85 births per woman for the same time period, the highest in 14 years. After a steady decrease in fertility rates since the early 1960's, they reached an all time low of 1.72 births per woman in the year ended 30 June 2003. Over the last four years Australia's fertility rates have been increasing each year.

The Australian infant mortality rate has decreased with, 4.62 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded, the lowest figure since record keeping began.

Australia's standardised death rate was 5.93 people per 1,000. This figure continues to decrease.

The estimated resident population of Australia as at 30 June was 21,017,200 people.

More details are in Australian Demographic Statistics, June quarter 2007 (cat. no. 3101.0).