Australia's population is forecast to reach 28 million people in 2026 despite a drop in overseas migrants and a low birth rate.
The Centre for Population's 2025 Population Statement shows Australia's population growth is projected to slow to a record low of 1.3 per cent this year, down from 1.5 per cent last year.
The slow growth has been driven by a projected decrease in migrant arrivals and increase in migrant departures, according to the centre's projections.
Melbourne forecast to become the nation's most populous city, reaching 9.1 million by 2065-66, according to the projections.