“Despite promises to rein in migration levels, Australians have been subject to yet another six-figure net migration intake in one single quarter, leaving the government’s credibility in tatters,” said Dr Kevin You, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs.
Today, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) updated its National State and Territory Population data series, with the reference period March 2026. IPA analysis of the data shows:
- Net overseas migration between January and March 2026 was 101,005.
- This is higher than the post-pandemic average of 99,930 per quarter.
- It is also more than four times higher than the average intake across the six decades from 1945-2007.
- It is also about 77 per cent higher than the elevated number of migrants brought in during the post-Howard, pre-pandemic period between 2008 and 2019.
- 101,005 is equivalent to 1,122 migrants per day, or about two jumbo jets full of passengers.
Chart: Quarterly net overseas migration
“Too many politicians have taken the lazy approach of using a larger population to increase the size of the economy on paper, while ignoring mass migration’s effect on productivity, per capita economic growth, and congestion and overcrowding in Australia’s largest cities,” said Dr You.
“It is clear that the government has lost control of Australia’s borders, and tinkering around the edges – as promised by the federal government – will make no discernible difference to the economic and social upheaval that Australians have experienced,” said Dr You.
Recent IPA analysis of ABS regional population data from the financial years ending 2023 and 2025 (inclusive) shows roughly 86 per cent settled in Australia’s capital cities. About 55 per cent settle in just Sydney and Melbourne alone.
To download the IPA’s research, click here.
