Migration is a complex topic for public debate. Net Overseas Migration (NOM), the difference between arrivals and departures, is a core driver of population change. This paper argues that the recent surge and subsequent fall in NOM in Australia are best understood as the delayed adjustment of a demand driven migration system after an unprecedented...

Australian migration has recently been extremely volatile. Currently, there are two main criticisms of the Australian Government’s migration policies. This paper reviews the evidence and draws conclusions. It finds that the post-pandemic surge in net overseas migration was driven by global forces more than local ones.