Labor's Population Failure

South Australia has recorded the lowest population growth of all mainland states, according to ABS Statistics released today.

South Australia’s population only grew by 0.8 per cent in the last twelve months to the end of the March 2011 quarter, compared to a national growth rate of 1.4 per cent.

Shadow Minister for Sustainability Michelle Lensink said South Australia’s poor population growth rate was primarily caused by high net interstate migration.

“In the twelve months to March 2011 South Australia experienced a net loss of 2,653 people interstate, which is more than twice the level of interstate migration under the previous State Liberal Government,” Ms Lensink said.

“This Labor Government has failed to achieve their own strategic plan target to “reduce net loss to interstate to zero by 2008”, a target which has now mysteriously disappeared from their Strategic Plan.

“South Australia now only has 7.33 per cent of the national population, compared to 7.75 per cent when the State Liberals were last in office.

“With poor business confidence, the highest taxes in Australia and increasing cost of living pressures, it is no surprise that South Australians are moving interstate to pursue better employment and living opportunities.”