QUEENSLAND — Net overseas migration added 301,000 people to Australia's population in the most recent reporting period, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This figure represents the lowest annual total since mid-2022, marking a decline from the peak of 556,000 late in 2023.

Overall net overseas migration fell by 8.9 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024. The federal budget projects a further decrease in net overseas migration to 295,000 in the current financial year, followed by 245,000 in the next financial year, and 225,000 in the 2027-28 financial year. Australia's population in mid-2025 was approximately 350,000 lower than the Treasury's December 2019 projection.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said "the facts clearly show that net overseas migration is coming down under Labor." Opposition immigration spokesman Jonno Duniam said an annual net overseas migration of 301,000 is "still far too high." Duniam said the migration level remains concerning while Australians face housing shortages and rental pressure. KPMG senior economist Terry Rawnsley said "the nation looks to have settled into a new normal level of net overseas migration of around 300,000 people per year." While net overseas migration into New South Wales and Victoria has returned to pre-pandemic levels, other states have seen increases. Queensland is attracting 75 per cent more overseas migrants than pre-pandemic levels, and Western Australia has experienced a 250 per cent increase in overseas arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels.

During the reporting period, Western Australia's population grew by 2.2 per cent to 3,076,500 people. Victoria's population increased by 1.7 per cent, Queensland's by 1.6 per cent, and New South Wales' by 1.2 per cent. Tasmania recorded the lowest population growth rate at 0.5 per cent, with an increase of 2,900 people. Births and deaths contributed a national population increase of 111,500 people.

New South Wales recorded a net interstate loss of 21,465 residents. Queensland gained 16,528 domestic migrants, and Western Australia gained 10,419 domestic migrants. More than 181,000 international migrants arrived in New South Wales, while 90,261 departed during the year. Victoria received 156,000 international migrants and recorded 71,500 international departures.