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Australia's population set to tick over to 24 million

Just after midnight tonight, the population of Australia will tick over to 24 million.

Experts are predicting the number will be reached at 12:50pm and the question is posed – who will it be?

Australia's population is set to hit 24 million. Photo: 7 News
Australia's population is set to hit 24 million. Photo: 7 News

Close to 800 babies are born in Australia everyday, but there is also the possibly our 24 millionth arrival could be an asylum seeker.

To parents Adam and Erin, their precious newborn Silas is one-in-a-million, but to the growing Australian nation, he's now one-in-24 million.

Newborn babies like Silas are most likely to tip the population over. Photo: 7News
Newborn babies like Silas are most likely to tip the population over. Photo: 7News

Demographer Mark McCrindle told 7 News Australia’s population was growing at a record rate.

“A decade ago we were adding an extra million people every five or so years,” he said.

“This extra million has been added in less than three years - the shortest period of time in history.”

Asylum-seekers also contribute to the country's population boom. Photo: 7 News
Asylum-seekers also contribute to the country's population boom. Photo: 7 News

In 1968 the nation hit 12 million and now, 48 years later, we have officially doubled that number.

Sustained migration, strong fertility rates and longer life expectancy are all fuelling a population boom.

The count is expected to hit 24,000,000 just after midnight tonight. Photo: 7 News
The count is expected to hit 24,000,000 just after midnight tonight. Photo: 7 News

Mr McCrindle said it will take another half a century to double our population again.

Even with a strong population of 24 million, Australia still holds less than one-third of one per cent of the total world headcount.

News break – February 15