20 June 2023
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has shown that several states and territories, including the Northern Territory are experiencing recorded falls in net interstate migration. According to CDU economics and business expert Dr Bhanu Bhatia the Northern Territory needs to strengthen its economy and key social aspects to gain advantage of migration patterns.
Dr Bhanu Bhatia, Lecturer in Economics and Business at Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Contact details: Call +61 8 8946 6529 or email media@cdu.edu.au to arrange an interview.
Quotes attributable to Dr Bhatia:
“The fall has been driven by a number of factors. In some of the bigger states people have moved due to the cost of living, covid restrictions and rising house prices. Much of the loss in population due to interstate departures has been prominent in big cities.”
“The Northern Territory has always attracted a transient population. Factors such weather, family connections in other states and job opportunities elsewhere have always provided a big pull.”
“However, positive net overseas migration provides a real opportunity for the NT to cultivate a multicultural community that calls NT home."
“Creating a liveable city can be a big drawcard as many find bigger cities unaffordable and there remains an opportunity to attract overseas migrants.”
“Ineffective policies and lack of investment in social services is likely to make Territory less attractive for migrants looking for a long-term future.”
“For the NT to gain advantage of the migration patterns, it must look to strengthen the economy, schools, infrastructure, security and social services.”
Contact details:
Emily Bostock
Acting Research Communications Officer
T: +61 8 8946 6529
M: 0432 417 518
E: media@cdu.edu.au
W: cdu.edu.au
