Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Populate or perish?

By Richard Denniss - posted Wednesday, 5 May 2010


The large flow of outward migration each year, combined with the relatively small inward flow of humanitarian and family reunion refugees means that it is possible for Australia to significantly reduce its population growth without shutting the door on those in other countries. Indeed, it is even possible for Australia to increase its humanitarian intake without putting pressure on the population as long as the country is willing to rein in the very large skilled migrant intake.

Australia is a nation of migrants; the first intake sought no permission to settle here. Migration is, and is likely to remain, an important part of what makes the Australian population the diverse and dynamic society that it has become. But the benefits of migration should not be conflated with the benefits of an ever-increasing population. As the data presented above show, there is no reason for Australians to be forced to choose between being open, inclusive and rapidly growing or being closed, exclusive and stable.

The onus of proof should be on those who wish to see our population burgeon to make the case for it. Similarly, if we are to increase our population by 60 per cent in the next four decades we should invest in the infrastructure we will need before we invite new citizens, not after they arrive.

Advertisement

In this era of evidence-based policy, it seems strange that for all the government inquiries that have been held there is yet to be a major scientific, social and economic analysis of the impact of rapid population growth in Australia. While it might be hard to agree on exactly how many people Australia can handle, it may be much easier to agree that much of our infrastructure, natural, physical and social, is already showing signs of stress.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

8 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr Richard Denniss is Executive Director of The Australia Institute and an adjunct associate professor at the Crawford School of Economics and Government, Australian National University.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Richard Denniss

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 8 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy