Tasmania’s population has reached a new high.

The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Tasmania's population rose by 1,223 persons or 0.25 per cent in the December quarter 2007.
“Tasmania’s population has reached a record level of 495,772 persons,” Mr Aird said.
“We are heading ever closer to the 500,000 population mark.”
Mr Aird said in the December quarter 2007 the natural increase in Tasmania was 581 persons.
“Tasmania recorded a net inflow of 236 persons from interstate in the December quarter 2007, the second consecutive quarter of net inflow,” he said.
“Net overseas migration was 403 persons in the December quarter 2007, an increase of 49 persons from the September quarter 2007.”
Mr Aird said that there may be minor revisions to the estimates for 31 December 2007 as the data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics was limited due to the recent identification of under reporting to the ABS of birth registrations in Victoria and the subsequent receipt of additional records from the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The release of final population data has been delayed until 24 June 2008.