New study to explore why NT hooks German migrants

A German-born Charles Darwin University postgraduate student is embarking on a study to discover why her countrymen and women come to the Northern Territory – and what makes them stay.

Anita Maertens, who is enrolled in a Master of Public Policy, said she found adventure and work experience when she arrived in Darwin a decade ago.

“I wanted to come to an exciting place for experience in the information services sector, such as libraries and archives, before going to study in London,” she said.

“Although I did go to the UK to complete my university course, I returned to the NT as soon as I could.

“It seems to be a common story; people come to the NT intending to stay for a short time and end up living here for years.”

Anita said the study would investigate the motives of interstate and overseas migrants who lived in the NT, with a specific focus on past and present German-born residents. 

“Policy-makers are concerned with growing the Territory’s population by attracting more long-term residents to the NT, especially skilled workers and women,” she said.

“According to the 2016 ABS Census, German-born residents are significant in this context; they often have higher than average qualifications, and there are more women than men.”

German-born Territorians aged 18 and over can complete the brief online survey, at W: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XVBP59F

For more information about the study contact Anita Maertens on E: anita.maertens@students.cdu.edu.au