The following graph illustrates net population growth in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.  Net growth totals natural increase, net overseas migration and net interstate migration.

From 1997/98 to 2000/01 i.e. the run up to the Olympics, New South Wales had the highest net population growth.  However, between 2001/02 and 2005/06, Queensland overtook New South Wales in terms of net population growth as property prices rose considerably and affordability became an issue.  As Queensland’s property prices have risen, assisted by the increasing demand, the number of movers to the state has started to decline.  In 2005/06, the growth within Victoria is evident, as property prices are deemed more affordable.