NT population continues to shrink as 18,000 move interstate

THE Northern Territory’s population fell by 0.4 per cent last year after around 18,000 people packed up and moved interstate, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics

The NT’s population fell by 0.4 per cent last year after around 18,000 people moved interstate, according to the latest ABS.

THE Northern Territory’s population fell by 0.4 per cent last year after around 18,000 people packed up and moved interstate, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The NT was the only jurisdiction in Australia that recorded negative population growth last year — with 17,936 departures and only 13,942 arrivals — according to the latest ABS data released today.

By December 31, the Territory’s population dropped to 244,761, its lowest level since March 2016.

MORE TOP NEWS

Chief Minister reveals NT border will reopen July 17

NT makes history and becomes first in nation to officially eradicate coronavirus

Police investigating alleged altercation between CLP Senator and her chief-of-staff

Australia National University demographer Liz Allen said the NT Government’s Boundless Possible scheme, which tried to attract more people to the NT, was too narrow to effectively redress population decline.

“While the scheme targets high-needs areas, it fails to address the main problems the Territory faces attracting and retaining people to the NT,” she said.

“Inadequate social and physical infrastructure, poor perceptions and attitudes about living in the Territory, and the harsh climate make it extremely difficult for the government to bolster population.

“The NT government would do well to consider a more comprehensive approach to population by not only seeking to attract specific skills but make improvements to infrastructure failings and seek to improve the territory’s image problems.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner today has rejected claims that the Boundless Possible campaign had been a failure.

“I think now we’ve got the best argument we can make for anyone moving to the Northern Territory now — we’re the safest and best place in the country,” he said.

“I discussed population during the last national cabinet meeting as well and made the case the NT does need those policy decisions by the Australian Government.

NEW OFFER: Get amazing Sennheiser earbuds (RRP: $499) with NT News subscription deal

“The Productivity Commission recognised that the zone tax rebate no longer works for the purpose it was intended, to get Australians to move north and stay there, so the Australian Government has more leavers in to pull in its place than we do.

“We will keep pushing the case that the Territory is where you need to be, we have got the jobs and are great place to live.”