Survey shows migration not births driving growth
Updated
Survey: migration is responsible for nearly two-thirds of the overall population growth. (ABC News: Drew Hill)
The latest nationwide survey of social trends has found that migration, rather than child birth, is driving Australia's population increase.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that despite recent increases in the fertility rate, migration is responsible for nearly two-thirds of the overall population growth.
The survey also points to changes at work and home, finding that the number of under-employed people is outstripping the number of unemployed, while the number of children in child care is increasing.
The rate of people wanting to work more hours than they already are has risen from about 6 per cent to nearly 8 per cent while the proportion of children in child care has risen from 17 to 22 per cent over the last decade.
The environment and personal safety also rank highly among the public's most pressing concerns.
Seven out of 10 Australians are worried about climate change while one in four worry about their personal safety enough to avoid things like using public transport or walking in their neighbourhood after dark.
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