NEWS RELEASE
AMCA Calls on Government to Recognise ‘Ghost Populations’ in National Data Collection
20 February 2025 – Canberra, Australia
The Australian Mining Cities Alliance (AMCA) is urging the Australian Government and Opposition to take immediate action on key policy recommendations outlined in its latest position paper. AMCA calls for a national framework to collect workforce data on FIFO/DIDO workers, referred to by AMCA as "Ghost Populations" due to their exclusion from official census figures.
AMCA Mayor Glenn Wilson has called for bipartisan support to ensure mining communities receive fair funding and infrastructure investment, reflecting the true number of people living and working in these regions.
"For too long, FIFO and DIDO workers—our ‘Ghost Populations’—have remained invisible in national statistics, despite the enormous strain they place on local infrastructure, healthcare, and housing in mining regions," Mayor Wilson said. "The outdated population data used for funding and policy decisions is failing our communities. It’s time for the government and opposition to fix this together."
The AMCA position paper highlights that in June 2023, 22,225 FIFO/DIDO (Ghost Population) workers were present in Queensland’s Bowen Basin alone, contributing to a total full-time equivalent (FTE) population of 102,695. Yet, these numbers are not reflected in census data or funding models.
"If we don’t accurately count these workers, regional communities will continue to miss out on the funding they deserve. We need a national workforce data collection framework, adjusted funding models, and a coordinated government response to support mining regions properly," Mayor Wilson added.
The AMCA’s key recommendations include:
- Mandating the ABS to collect non-resident workforce data through a national framework modelled on Queensland’s Bowen Basin Population Report.
- Reforming federal and state funding models to reflect the full-service population, not just resident counts.
- Establishing a national coordination mechanism to manage the impacts of FIFO/DIDO workforces on regional communities.
"Mining cities are the backbone of Australia's economy, yet they are consistently short-changed due to inaccurate data. The government must act now to ensure these communities are properly resourced," Mayor Wilson said.
The AMCA urges the Government and Opposition to adopt these recommendations and ensure regional mining communities are no longer overlooked.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gavin Cator
Executive Officer
Australian Mining Cities Alliance
Phone: 0428 680 418
Email: gavin.cator@ggpeople.com.au