The state that's still the pick of the bunch for local migration

Queensland is attracting more interstate migration than any other state, as residents flee NSW, data released by the ABS has shown.

The COVID-induced domestic exodus to the Sunshine State has continued with statistics showing a net migration north of 31,070. By contrast, NSW has experienced a net loss of -30,213 residents, the largest population decline of any state in Australia.

The ABS noted that the 12-month review to March 2023 reflected the residual effects of COVID, which saw tens of thousands of Australians moving north permanently when state border restrictions lifted in early 2022.

This growth in population was followed by Western Australia, which also recorded a net migration of 11,121. South Australia recorded a much more modest net increase of 157 new residents. All the other states recorded net drops in population.

Head of research at Hello Haus property advisory, Sam Powell, said the data presented investors with an opportunity to capitalise on possible yields in growth suburbs in both WA and Queensland.

“The big shift both north and west is unsurprising,” he said. “Queensland and WA have relatively affordable real estate, and both offer exceptional lifestyle appeal, plus comprehensive facilities and infrastructure.

“Their prospects look great economically as well. The 2032 Olympics will put Queensland on the world stage, and a resurgence in commodity prices as global economies recover bodes well for WA in the long term too.”

Mr Powell identified three suburbs of Brisbane — Oxley, Boondall and Fitzgibbon — as areas with strong potential for growth. The Greater Perth suburbs of Gosnells and Girrawheen and the Perth locales of Mirrabooka, Caversham and Ballajura, were also likely to be strong performers, he said, based on relatively low median house prices and strong yields.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

The state that’s still the pick of the bunch for local migration

ABS data reveals where everyone is moving to — and the states losing out

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.