The government has announced that family stream places will be increased by 4,000 - to 46,000 - in the period 2006 – 2007.The intention is to meet an increased demand for partner places in the annual immigration programme. Demand is increasing because of:

  • the increased mobility of young Australians bringing partners back from overseas
  • the increased volume of young, single migrants
  • the increased number of foreign nationals coming to Australia for tourism, for working holidays and to study.

Note: Australia’s annual migration programme of up to 140,000 places in 2005-06 included 42,000 places for the family stream and 98,000 for the skilled/special eligibility stream.

Currently 4.8 million people born overseas are living in Australia.

People born in the UK make up the largest migrant group with 1.1 million people (or 6% of the total Australian population). Other major groups are New Zealand (2%), Italy, mainland China and Viet Nam (each 1%).