Governments face increasing pressure to respond swiftly and effectively to rapidly evolving international migration flows. Anticipation is key to this response, but remains a challenge. This guide offers measures to introduce, run and strengthen migration forecasting systems and preparedness strategies. It follows the forecasting lifecycle from problem definition to communication and system learning.

An exploration of how Australia’s population is changing and what the future might look like. The population surpassed 27.5 million in 2025 and growth will slow due to lower migration and fertility. The report includes sections on ageing, life expectancy and mortality, and introduces new 40‑year projections for states, territories, cities and regions.

This research investigates different ways to predict local population growth and change. It looks at what drives people to move between urban and regional Australia and what this migration means for planning infrastructure and housing to support population growth and change.

This research looked at why people move between urban and regional Australia, and identified the social, economic, demographic and policy factors driving these population shifts. Apart from 2013, since 2007 more people have moved from capital cities than to them. The report concludes that policies to attract regional migration can be improved.

An exploration of Australia’s population dynamics following the COVID‑19 pandemic. Australia’s population is projected to grow from 27.1 million people in 2024 to 31.3 million people by 2034–35. Net overseas migration peaked in 2022–23 and is declining.