New data shows Tasmania’s population growth lowest in nation amid interstate migration trend

Sobering data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown that Tasmania recorded by far the lowest population growth in the country last year. REACTIONS >>>

Josh Willie on Tasmanian population data.

New figures show Tasmania recorded the lowest population growth in the country last year, prompting the Opposition to seize on the data as evidence of a “vote of no confidence” in the Liberals.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its national, state and territory population figures on Thursday, which showed that while the national average growth rate was 1.7 per cent over the 2024 calendar year, Tasmania’s was a mere 0.3 per cent, behind South Australia on 1.1 per cent and the Northern Territory on 1.2 per cent.

The island state saw 12,985 people migrate here but lost 15,432 Tasmanians to the mainland, logging negative net interstate migration of -2447.

Tasmania suffered negative net interstate migration in the 2024 calendar year, according to the ABS. Picture: Julian Andrews.

As at December 31, the state’s population was estimated to be 575,800, having added 1600 people last year.

There were 5536 births in Tasmania and 5365 deaths, amounting to a natural population increase of 171 people.

The largest growth factor in the state was net overseas migration at 3856.

Labor treasury spokesman Josh Willie said the data showed that 765 Tasmanians had moved interstate in the last quarter of 2024 alone, which was more than double the amount that left in the previous quarter.

“It also marked the 11th consecutive quarter of negative net interstate migration, which is now the longest run of net losses to the mainland in more than 20 years,” he said.

“We’ve now lost 8500 Tasmanians to the mainland since Jeremy Rockliff became Premier. That’s 8500 young, working-aged people – potential homeowners, skilled workers, and future parents – who’ve chosen to build their lives somewhere else.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Caroline Tan

“This is not just a population statistic – it’s a clear vote of no confidence in the direction of Tasmania under Jeremy Rockliff’s government.”

Mr Rockliff rejected Labor’s interpretation of the data, labelling it “dishonest”.

The government has pointed to figures showing Tasmania’s population in the 17-25 age bracket had increased by 235 over the 2023-24 financial year as proof that young people weren’t deserting the state.

Mr Rockliff said the Liberals had “a very clear population strategy around investing, encouraging people to live, to work, and to raise a family here in Tasmania”.

“I have a real belief in Tasmania, and I believe in this state, and I believe in Tasmanians, and that comes through when it comes to the excitement around the lowest unemployment in the nation, but also the lowest unemployment on record here in Tasmania,” he said.

“Our economic growth is strong, our business confidence is the highest in the nation.”

Originally published as New data shows Tasmania’s population growth lowest in nation amid interstate migration trend