‘Go West, Young Man…’

Key points

• Internal migration is a critical component of labour market flexibility.
• This report explores internal migration patterns in Australia, particularly over the last decade.
• Specifically, trends relating to East to West migration patterns are examined.
• Data from the latest Census (2011) is used together with previous Censuses data to analyse internal migration patterns and the characteristics of those who migrate.
• NSW and Queensland are the main source of interstate arrivals to WA.
• Differences in internal migration across regions in WA are evident.
• In the last five years, younger cohorts are now more likely to be moving to WA rather than leaving the state.
• Those educated at certificate level are more likely to move to WA form the Eastern states than individuals holding any other education level.
• Upon moving to WA, individuals are more likely to work as trades and technicians and be employed in the mining and construction sectors.
• Greater employment opportunities including higher wages are clear incentives for internal inflows into WA from other states and territories.