MEDIA RELEASE
May 25, 2007	Embargoed 11.30 am (AEST)	58/2007
ABS announces improved methods for estimating net overseas migration

The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced today improved population estimation methods.

Over recent years there has been a large increase in the volumes of international travellers crossing Australia's borders. There has also been increased frequency of travel, and significant volatility in the patterns of international travel with major world events impacting on international travel to and from Australia.

In 2006, 10.9 million people arrived in Australia from overseas and 10.7 million people left Australia. A large proportion of these travellers were visitors from overseas who stayed for a short visit, and Australian residents travelling overseas for less than 12 months.

In response to these changes, the ABS has developed improved methods for estimating net overseas migration.

Determining how many international travellers are to be accounted for in estimating the Australian population is achieved by compiling estimates of Net Overseas Migration. Only people living in Australia for 12 months or more are added to the population. Residents leaving Australia for 12 months or more are subtracted from the population of Australia.

Net overseas migration is a major driver of quarterly population growth in the ABS' estimated resident population statistics. Net overseas migration accounts for around half of the annual population growth of Australia.

The Information Paper: Statistical Implications of Improved Methods for Estimating Net Overseas Migration, Australia 2007 (cat. no. 3107.0.55.005) provides an overview of the improved methods. The Information Paper also contains analysis of the statistical impacts on estimates of net overseas migration for the period from December quarter 2003 to June quarter 2006.

Estimates calculated using the improved methods will be applied in compiling estimates of the resident population of Australia, the states and territories from September quarter 2006. Estimates for September and December quarters 2006 will be released on 5 June 2007 in Australian Demographic Statistics, December Quarter 2006 (cat. no. 3101.0).