THE exodus of people interstate has contributed to Tasmania recording the nation’s slowest population growth last year.

The increase of 400 people or 0.1 per cent took the population to 512,400 and came despite an excess of interstate departures over arrivals — 12,305 departures to 9658 arrivals over the year.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealed there were 6175 births compared with 4458 deaths for the year.

The data reveals there were 3069 females and 3255 males aged under 1 in June 2012.

The 0.1 per cent population growth contrasts with the 2012-13 State Budget prediction of 0.4 per cent growth.

It also casts doubt on the 0.4 per cent population growth predicted in the 2013-14 Budget.

Australia’s population grew by 1.8 per cent during 2012, returning to the strong growth seen three years ago.

Western Australia led the nation with an annual increase of 3.5 per cent, the highest of any state or territory, to reach 2.47 million people by the end of December 2012.

WA also had the highest population growth by percentage over the 10 years from 2002-2012, increasing by 27.6 per cent or 534,100 people.

Director of ABS Demography Bjorn Jarvis said the increase in Australia’s population growth rate is being driven by net overseas migration.

“Net overseas migration added 235,900 people to the population in 2012, which is a 17 per cent increase over 2011,” he said.

“Net overseas migration accounted for 60 per cent of Australia’s total growth, with the remaining 40 per cent due to natural increase.

“Notably, 2012 also saw a 4 per cent rise in natural increase, which is the largest increase in almost four years.”

Victoria had the highest natural increase for 2012, increasing by 18.6 per cent (or 6500 people).

The number of births increased by 2.2 per cent over the past year while the number of deaths increased by 0.2 per cent.

nicholas.clark@news.com.au