3101.0 - Australian Demographic Statistics, Sep 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 18/03/2004   
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MEDIA RELEASE

March 18, 2004
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
44/2004
NT population continues to grow: ABS

Northern Territory's population increased by 270 people in the three months ending 30 September 2003, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.

The increase in the Northern Territory's population over the June and September quarters in 2003 has more than offset the decline in the previous six months. Overall there has been a small increase of 300 people (0.2%) over the full
12 months to 30 September 2003. In comparison Queensland's population grew by 2.3% over the year while the Australian population grew by 1.3%.


September quarter's growth in population was less than the growth recorded in the previous quarter due to a larger net loss of population to other states and territories. September quarter 2003 saw a net loss of population interstate of 760 people, compared to a net loss of 300 people interstate in the June quarter 2003.

The ABS estimated that over 1,300 people left the Northern Territory for Queensland in September quarter 2003, whilst 910 people moved from Queensland to the Northern Territory.

The ABS said it was too early to determine if the population increases for the June and September quarter 2003 indicated a longer term turnaround in the trend of declining population observed in the Northern Territory over the last two years.

Today's publication release contains the latest available data on natural increase (the excess of births over deaths), net interstate migration and net overseas migration and their contribution to the population size and growth of the Australian states and territories.

Over the year to 30 September 2003, Australia's population grew by 249,800
(up 1.3%).


Further details are in Australian Demographic Statistics, September Quarter 2003 (cat. no. 3101.0).