There are so many good arguments against growing Australia's population - both economic and environmental - that it is becoming obvious that the only reason the government continues with this self-destructive behaviour is the short term gain of support from big business, especially the property industry. Great article John!

...Unfortunately for us, John Coulter is correct!

Excellent article, John.

Totally agree, Michael and Dan.

Yep, great article. Time that all those advocating population growth realised there is a cost to pay, not just in increased congestion and pollution, but in the cost of services and infrastructure. We are about to enter an era of resource depletion, not least cheap oil, and we have to pull in our collective belts. Not only do we need to stabilise population, we must reduce it such that we at least get global levels below five billion and then on to two billion and below. How to do it? Let's hope through education and voluntary means, otherwise nature might just do it for us.

Yes, great article.

Unfortunately, growth is perceived by governments as the only way to pay back debt. That, or by printing money and consequent inflation. We shall get both I'm afraid. The world is already in a race to debase its currency against each other.

Governments are becoming increasingly directed by private businesses and policies can be bought through political donations. With globalization, big businesses are becoming bigger and more powerful. The patronage of governments is about buying policies for their own vested interests. Population growth is the lazy way of economic growth, the most dodgy route, It creates easy tax revenue for governments, and then they must cut benefits due to "shortages" of infrastructure, sell off public assets to chase the debts caused by growth. Governments need to to back to democratic principles and represent the people of Australia. The great majority of people do not want more population growth, and it is grinding down our economy and living standards. PM Julia Gillard must be forced to address her promise not to "hurdle towards a big Australia".