An ambit claim for the Ruddfest 2020

The national interest is that it is not fair to risk our own future living on the world’s driest continent. Population growth already threatens land conservation, forests, our unique wild-life, water supplies, livability in cities, and even the farmland need for our food.

Certainly, population growth stimulates mass markets, housing construction and rises in property values, but these profit just a few: the general public suffers because of debt and housing shortages. Subsidising rental accommodation for young couples only drives property prices up further. Growth here, as in all our future goals, must be for quality rather than quantity.

The international reason to stop boosting our fertility is that it disgraces Australia by being an example of our selfishness. The world’s population was three billion in 1959, now it is six billion, heading for nine billion by 2050. Many countries are under stress through rapid population growth too great to be solvable by seasonal labour or even mass immigration into Australia.

Australia can set a better example with a “Right to Reproduce”: one child each, that is, two per couple, with every child given a fair chance to grow up healthy, with old age security. This will remove the two big practical reasons for the poor to want large families.

Social injustice

The list of social injustices to remedy is long. I mention only four.

Cut the strangling costs of liability insurance, and its restricting consequences for community life and services, and replace the civil litigation that it makes necessary with no-fault aid for severe injuries, and penalties imposed by the state for severe and repeated negligence. The unfairly high costs of litigation, and threats of litigation, can be greater than can be borne by individuals, small companies and the economy.

Unfair income gaps increase when those with the power to set their own salaries use that power irresponsibly.

Low income gamblers could be given a chance they do not now have for profitable savings as a surer route for upward mobility.

And investment in Australian industries encouraged rather than negative gearing for investment properties which results in increases to the wealth gap.

Health

Governments can promote a healthy population, one that is able to cope with challenges and that makes less demand on medical and welfare resources.

Free dental care for lower-incomes is a basic necessity.

Alcohol (PDF KB) is a major factor in juvenile brain damage, psychiatric illnesses, violence and crime. The liquor industry can be encouraged to grow by diversifying into other production, and discouraged from growing by increasing liquor outlets and increasing its youth market by marketing sweet alcoholic drinks.