Overview
- ABS data show net overseas migration reached 305,600 in 2024–25, with the June quarter at 50,120, the smallest quarterly increase since late 2021.
- The decline reflects a 14% drop in new arrivals, especially temporary visa holders, and a 13% rise in departures to 263,000, including sharp increases in working-holiday leavers.
- Treasury’s mid-year update factors in further easing, projecting 260,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 in 2026–27.
- Migration remains the main source of population growth, accounting for 61% of the June-quarter increase and 84% of growth since the 2022 election.
- The political debate is shifting toward who is arriving, with calls for stronger ‘values’ screening that former immigration officials say would be difficult to implement and likely divisive.