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29 Jun, 2014

New report reveals detailed demographic profile of Australia

Canberra, 26 June 2014, (Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) – A new report compiling data from the 2011 Census provides a key statistical picture of the Australian population and the make-up of migrant communities, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Mr Scott Morrison said today.

The People of Australia report, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data collated by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, is a snapshot of a modern nation attracting people from around the world including increased migration from Asia.

Comparing 2006 and 2011 census data, the report provides profiles of the existing migrant pool.

‘We are a wonderfully successful and cohesive modern immigrant nation that has welcomed those from across the world to become part of the Australian story,’ Minister Morrison said.

Statistics include the education, employment and income of migrants by birthplace, religion and language.

Key statistics of The People of Australia report reveal:

  • 252 overseas places of birth represented in the current Australian population, with England in top spot with more than 900 000 people and New Zealand second with 483 000
  • The growing importance of Asian migration to Australia – in 2011, there were 148 000 more people born in India, 112 000 more Chinese and 51 000 more people born in the Philippines compared with 2006
  • The main non-English languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Italian, Cantonese, Greek and Vietnamese which are all spoken at home by at least 1 per cent of the population.

‘The report will assist governments and other agencies to respond to the challenges of providing services in a diverse cultural environment, including identification of sectors most in need of English language services,’ Minister Morrison said.

‘It should be a source of great pride to all Australians that we have been able to unite from all parts of the world in a modern, cohesive and successful nation.

‘This snapshot shows how far we have come and to shape the way that we manage our challenges now and into the near future,’ Minister Morrison said.

The People of Australia report is available here: DIBP Statistical Publications