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Abstract:
A growing net loss of Indigenous residents of the Northern Territory to other jurisdictions in Australia has been observed in successive Censuses. In this brief we examine Northern Territory Indigenous migration trends from 2001 to 2016 to identify patterns, flows and the characteristics of Indigenous migrants arriving to and departing from the Territory for interstate. The aim is to inform considerations by policy-makers on ways to enhance the retention of Indigenous people in the Territory and to increase attraction rates for those outside of the Territory. We also provide insights about return migration rates and characteristics for Indigenous residents compared to others. While the aim is primarily to outline migration trends, as context we provide baseline data on Territory Indigenous population characteristics and trends which are important to understanding recent and future Indigenous population growth and change in the Territory. THREE KEY FINDINGS 1.Territory migration flows are concentrated to and from Darwin and interstate which has comparatively higher rates of in and out migration for those originating from interstate. 2.Within the Territory, migration and other factors are leading to growth in Darwin (in particular) and Katherine while other regions are either growing slowly or in decline. 3.The Territory’s Indigenous population is changing, including through significant population ageing.
