Home and away?: Defining and conceptualising rural youth migration in Australia

The project addresses the Priority Goal of 'Strengthening Australia's social and economic health' in seeking a more precise understanding of the causes and actual migration pathways of Australian rural youth, and the extent to which these migrants return to their home regions. This understanding is critical for future key service delivery planning (e.g. health, including aged care), for labour force development planning (e.g. likely local demand for TAFE places). Relatedly, the project's findings should enable more reliable regional population projections and estimates and facilitate the development of locally-specific strategies to both retain rural youth and attract ex-migrants back.

Funder: Australian Research Council
Award Value: $120,000