The data highlights a significant milestone in Australia's multicultural history, with the overseas-born share of the national population climbing to 32%. This is the highest proportion recorded since 1891, a time when the national population was a mere 2.7 million. Today, Australia is home to 8.8 million overseas-born residents compared to 18.8 million born locally, bringing the total national population to 27.6 million as of mid-2025.
A standout contributor to this diverse landscape is the Sri Lankan community, which has seen sustained and steady growth. The Sri Lankan-born population in Australia reached an estimated 184,800 by mid-2025, a notable jump from 172,800 in 2024 and 158,300 in 2023. Over the past decade, the number of residents born in Sri Lanka has expanded significantly from just over 110,000 in 2013, reflecting strong post-pandemic migration trends.
Currently, Sri Lanka ranks among the top 10 overseas-born populations in Australia. Sri Lanka maintains its position at 9th place, remaining just ahead of Malaysia-born residents. Other major groups rounding out the top five include China (732,000), New Zealand (638,000), and the Philippines (412,530).
This demographic evolution comes amid heightening political debate over the nation's immigration future. Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor recently proposed a migration crackdown, emphasizing "Australian values" and criticizing what he termed "transactional intent" among some arrivals.
