I think I should add that the economic benefits of a large population are completely unfounded- apparently Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria and Singapore are just anomalies?

As for being a world issue- indeed it is- but I think managing as a nation while simultaneously managing the world as a separate issue is probably the best idea.

allowing our own citizens to emigrate to their countries if they wish.
Suzeonline,,
Which of the countries from which the asylum seekers come allow australian immigration ?
It's ok for those with no foresight to feel warm & fuzzy about letting people in at random. Let me assure you the %age of genuine refugees is way higher than what is claimed. However, the %age of genuine refugees making it to our shores is way lower than claimed.
What %age of those do you think are agenda driven ? I can't give you the figures because those who have them will not divulge them. Do not for one moment forget that just like here, people in other countries too have little option re planning their lives. Just like here they too are dictated to by religion & politics etc. My guess is that many refugees are actually encouraged & supported by their own governments to "spread" their idealism by way of presence. Has anyone ever seen the %age of christian vs muslim refugees ? Having said that I personally don't give a hoot about religion & the less there is the better for all, but religion is the crux of this problem because this problem is actually a plan.

I am intrigued that no one here has been able to cite a single study that shows net benefits from large scale immigration.

I agree with Ludwig's sentiment on refugees. We should increase our intake of genuine refugees, and reduce overall immigration. We need to stop encouraging other countries to overproduce (people) and dumping their surpluses on us.
We should also stop robbing needy countries of their best educated people. If our sociopolitical/economic/education system worked as it should, we should be net exporters (or at least, temporary lenders) of highly trained people, or teachers of same, instead of importers.
We also urgently need to address our participation in the world community. I don't mean globalisation, but the understanding that overpopulation is a world issue. It is ridiculous to suggest the world is clearly overpopulated, while at the same time encouraging Australians to have more babies.
Yes, I am only too well aware that Aussie families are doing it tough, and yes I know they need help financially; but paying people to have more children in an overpopulated world is an obscenity.
And what sort of message does it send to those thinking of fleeing to another country?

it is estimated that there are 13 milions illegal mexicans in california alone. thats a bout 1.5 times thae australian work force.
you think you got problems?

I asked the question "What is the Liberal/National policy on this question" ?
I did not really expect a reply but to prevent it happening I think
it will require an event of some kind. Perhaps no water at all in
Adelaide or Melbourne, or the sudden appearance of fuel shortages.
Perhaps blackouts over a wide area.

Far better to get the pollies to look straight in the face at some
of these possible events. Belly, you seem to know the Labour scene,
how do you get them to look seriously at the problem ?
To prevent Sydney and Melbourne becoming larger we should ban all
development applications for housing. I don't see any other way to
stop such expansion.