ABS statistics reveal NT population records highest quarterly growth in two years

THE Northern Territory has recorded its highest quarterly population growth in two years after climbing to almost 246,000 in June

THE Northern Territory has recorded its highest quarterly population growth in two years after climbing to almost 246,000 in June.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data released yesterday shows the NT population grew by almost 500 residents in the June quarter, the highest quarterly increase since June 2018.

Despite this recent increase, the Territory still recorded the lowest population growth rate (-0.1 per cent) for the year ending June 30, 2020 and was the only jurisdiction in the country to shrink instead of grow.

The decrease was mainly attributed to a 2700 loss in net interstate migration over the year ending June, after recording 16,214 interstate departures compared to just 13,517 interstate arrivals.

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The Territory saw a natural increase in population of more than 2525 after recording 3605 births and 1080 deaths.

However, net overseas migration barely made a difference to population growth, with 3867 people arriving in the NT and 3858 departing over the same period.

It comes after the Centre for Population projected Darwin’s population would shed almost 6000 people by 2024, in its latest report. It forecasts Darwin’s population dropping from 144,600 in 2020 down to 138,700 in 2024.

This is a stark contrast to the NT Budget forecasts that show the NT’s overall pop increasing by 5000 people over the next five years,

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner has rejected the federal government’s population forecasts and claims they are based on out of date data.

“The Northern Territory has a better understanding of its own population, which is why we feel our forecast is more accurate,” he said.

“We have positioned the NT as the safest place in Australia and our economy is now showing some of the best economic indicators in the country. House prices and job ads are up, while unemployment is down. That’s why we are confident in the Territory’s future and our population growing.”