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NET OVERSEAS MIGRATION (NOM) - IMPROVEMENTS TO PRELIMINARY NOM ESTIMATION

In 2007 the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) introduced improved methods for calculating net overseas migration (NOM). It has been used in calculating Australia's official estimated resident population (ERP) since September quarter 2006. Experience in using the new NOM methodology, as well as the subsequent availability of new information, has indicated that it is now possible to make further improvements to the preliminary estimates.

Preliminary NOM data from these improvements has been published for the first time on 25 March 2010 in Australian Demographic Statistics, September Quarter 2009 (cat. no. 3101.0). For all quarters of 2008-09 the already published preliminary NOM estimates have been replaced with new preliminary NOM estimates based on these improvements. September quarter 2009 preliminary NOM estimates are based on these improvements and published for the first time.

Final NOM estimates for 2007-08 have also been released on 25 March 2010 in Australian Demographic Statistics, September Quarter 2009 (cat. no. 3101.0).

An Information Paper: Improving Net Overseas Migration Estimation (cat. no. 3412.0.55.001) was released on 12 March 2010. The purpose of the information paper was to provide an overview of the changes being undertaken to improve NOM estimation and reduce the large revisions to ERP. It has:

• reviewed changes being made to the methodology for estimating preliminary NOM;
• outlined changes to the preliminary and revision timetables;
• provided implementation dates and schedules; and
• discussed future directions the ABS is examining to make further improvements.