Skilled Labour Migration Flows to Australia's Northern Territory 2001-2006: Beyond Periphery?

This research describes the Australian domestic skilled labour migration system as recorded at the 2006 Census, and specifically examines the role of the Northern Territory within that system. The international literature suggests that most labour migration conforms to core-periphery (CP) patterns, although there is evidence that other structures are becoming increasingly common. There is little known about CP patterns for labour migration within Australia, the emergence of alternative structures, or what role the Northern Territory plays in the national system. This research shows consistently strong CP structures within Australia's States, but not in the Northern Territory. Instead, the NT has weak links to mainland State capital cities; a weak CP relationship with South Australia that may be a result of historical ties; and weak relationships with immediately adjacent regions. The challenge for the Northern Territory is to strengthen one or more of the structures or risk increasing difficulties in recruiting skilled workers.