Australian Bureau of Statistics Accuses Media of Misusing Migration Data
A dispute has erupted between the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and various media outlets over the interpretation of migration data.
The ABS has accused the media of misusing its figures to suggest that Australia is accepting 1,500 new migrants per day.
The controversy began when the ABS released data showing a record 279,460 net permanent and long-term arrivals in the six months to June 30.
Some media outlets, including Sydney radio station 2GB, reported that this figure was equivalent to 1,544 new people per day.
However, the ABS has stated that this interpretation is misleading and inaccurate.
Abs Criticises Use of Overseas Arrivals and Departures Data
The ABS has clarified that its overseas arrivals and departures (OAD) data should not be used to measure migration or population change, as it reflects self-declared traveller intentions rather than changes in residency status.
The bureau has emphasised that accurate insights on migration into Australia are available from its Overseas Migration and National, State and Territory Population publications.
In a statement, the ABS warned against drawing “inaccurate conclusions on migration” from the OAD data.
The bureau explained that this data is a count of border crossings rather than migration, and is best used to understand patterns in traveller movements, such as tourism trends and seasonal travel.
Media Outlets and Economists Defend Use of Monthly Net Permanent and Long-Term Arrivals Data
MacroBusiness chief economist Leith van Onselen has argued that economists have long used monthly net permanent and long-term arrivals data as a leading indicator of migration.
He pointed to an official government document from the Centre for Population, which explicitly states that border crossings data are more timely than other migration flow data releases, meaning they can be used as a potential leading indicator for net overseas migration.
Van Onselen has accused the ABS of trying to censor debate on immigration numbers, and questioned why the bureau appears to be targeting media outlets while ignoring other examples of potentially misleading data usage.
Industry Groups and Politicians Weigh In on the Debate
The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) has also defended the use of monthly net permanent and long-term arrivals data, arguing that it remains a closely related measure to net overseas migration.
The IPA has accused the ABS of trying to divert attention away from Australia’s “unplanned migration crisis” and warned that the bureau risks losing credibility if it becomes politicised.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly has condemned planned nationwide anti-immigration rallies, stating that multiculturalism is an integral part of Australia’s national identity.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has also spoken out against the rallies, saying they are un-Australian and have no place in modern Australia.