Temp visas rise to above 2.9 million

Student numbers peaking out

Temporary visa holder figures rose to a new record of above 2.9 million in March 2025.

This helped to take the national rental vacancy rate back down to just 1 per cent. 

Excluding visitors, total temporary visa holders also rose to a record high of above 2½ million (up 5 per cent over the year).

In saying that, it does look as though policy amendments and fee changes to slow the growth in international student visas have begun to take some effect, and as such international student numbers may start to peak out in due course. 

I was expecting retail turnover to jump in March, due to stockpiling for Cyclone Alfred.

After all, this what was happening on the Sunshine Coast...

As it turned out, groceries and goods sales from stockpiling were very strong in Queensland, but retail sales later as the month progressed were also generally weaker due to store closures, and people opting to spend more days at home rather than risk travelling. 

Nationally retail turnover overall rose less than expected, at only +0.3 per cent.

Retail volumes were flat over the quarter, reflecting a weak result for consumers in the private sector in early 2025.

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