Australia At 24 Million Peeps, By The Numbers

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia has reached a population of 24 million people.

24 million people; 24 million different lives. It’s incredible.

The 24 millionth Australian might have been a newborn child, or someone moving to Australia in search of a better life. We’ve become such a multicultural country, that this milestone may have occurred because of a person who has been alive for many years. What a country we have become.

How Did We Get Here?

Following tens of thousands of years of exclusive residence by Australia’s indigenous population, an expedition from England led by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770 saw the eastern part of the continent claimed in the name of Britain (despite it still being populated by First Australians). After that, the First Fleet left Great Britain in 1787 to colonise Australia.

Fast forward to 1851, and Victoria separates from NSW. That same year, Australia strikes gold – in the literal sense. A major gold rush in NSW and Victoria advances the country greatly.

In 1901, the Commonwealth was born and in 1908, Canberra was selected at the capital of Australia.  Then, in 1914, World War I begins, finally ending on the 11th of November, 1918. With many dead or wounded (1,394 Australian men in 3 years), all Australia could do was move forward.

Where Do We Stand Now?

In June of 2015, with a national population of 23,781,000 people, New South Wales boasted 7,618,000 people, Victoria claimed 5,938,000 people, Queensland had 4,779,000 people, South Australia counted a population of 1,698,000 people, Western Australia held 2,591,000, Tasmania had 561,000, Northern Territory had 244,000 and, finally, Australian Capital Territory listed 390,000 citizens.

On February 16, 2016, the tally ticked over to 24,000,000 Aussies.

As the population continues to increase, so does the number of Australians who were born outside of the country. Last year, it was found that a total of 6.6 million Australians had been born overseas, comprising 28 per cent of the Australian population. This marks the proportion's highest peak in 120 years, since Australia gained a lot of migrants in the 1800s from the gold rush. As time has gone on, Australia has adopted many more cultures and accepted many migrants onto its soil, though the latter has ignited recent debate.

To get this far, we’ve had depressions, wars and death. But we’ve also had great contributors to science, such as those by Frank Macfarlane Burnet, who contributed to immunology; Elizabeth Blackburn, who discovered an enzyme; Howard Florey, a pharmacologist who helped develop penicillin; and many more great minds.  We’ve also had activists such as Julian Assange, who shared information hidden from the public, and Peter Singer, an activist for animal rights, civil rights, women’s rights and plenty more.

Over the years, we’ve also seen much success in arts, most recently, at Monday’s Academy Awards, where Mad Max: Fury Road took home 6 Oscars from 10 nominations. This makes Fury Road Australia’s most successful film at any Oscar ceremony.

Where Are We Heading?

Now that we’ve reached a population of 24 million, what else can we expect? Well, we have to continue on our great discoveries, further human and animal rights, and, plainly, keep creating brilliant things. It all starts with the younger generation. As technology increases, so does innovation and creativity in young minds.

Australia is becoming more cultured, with art and technology; there are no limits.

Yes, Australia has a long way to go. Even in terms of population; Australia isn’t expected to reach its next million until 2018. However, looking back on just a sliver of the great things Australia has already done, it is likely we’ll continue to make it richer and better as the population grows.

Here’s to 25 million.

“I have seen not only those of you with youth and hope strong in your veins, but those with pathetic streaks of grey in your hair, large families to support, and with half a century sitting upon your work-laden shoulders. I have seen you struggle uncomplainingly against flood, fire, disease in stock, pests, drought, trade depression, and sickness, and yet have time to extend your hands and hearts in true sympathy to a brother in misfortune, and spirits to laugh and joke and be cheerful”. – My Brilliant Career, Miles Franklin.

Bianca Welsh-Jayne is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.