In 151 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country, the numbers of overseas-born residents are increasing, while the number of Australian-born residents is decreasing.

Population loss means there are still labour shortages in rural Australia. This loss requires new strategies to enable migration to better meet local labour needs. 

One way to tackle this issue is through locally-led migration strategies. Support for these projects across rural Australia is key to future population and economic growth in small towns.

Supported by literature and analysis from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), this policy paper is based on discussions between regional settlement representatives at Migration Nation, a RAI roundtable event held at Old Parliament House on 1 November 2017 as well as consultations with governments and community groups.