Dear David,

<<I have to disagree with all of you.>>

I wonder where's the need to disagree with me, but so far you haven't.

Dear Yuyutsu,

I'm sorry. I was just being disagreeable. On this thread we appear to be in agreement.

Dear David,

Many people don't agree with an increase in population growth
for a variety of reasons.
However most politicians seem to agree at least
that there should be a sustainable population policy.
Both government and professional demographic projections agree that
a population of about 25 million within thirty years is the
most likely and desirable outcome. Whether that level would then
be maintained or would start to decline would depend on whether
a continuing net immigrant intake of about 80,000 should be
sustained, together with "family friendly" policies designed to
encourage a higher birthrate.

We have to wait and see what sort of policies our governments
come up for the future. I don't thin that zero population
growth is a realistic option with out aging population.

In multicultural, anti-anything homegrown Australia, David's article might have more appropriately been titled:

We don't need to EUTHANIZE our national culture

david,
It appears we agree on one thing, about immigration and population.

The only reason both major parties want high immigration is because big business want it and make big donations to both parties. This is because more people means more demand for consumer goods, they care not about quality of life.

Bit surprized that foxy supports the high immigration/population idea. Foxy usually goes along with the green line which does not encourage high immigration.

We cannot solve the world population dilemma by immigration. Government sponsored family planning is required, especially in the countries subject to famine. Thailand and Iran have shown that government sponsored family planning works.

We disagree on multiculturalism. It is one thing to recognize different cultures but it is quite another to continue to allow immigration of those groups that will not/cannot integrate and hold our society in contempt. Most immigrants do integrate and it is only a few that cause a lack of cohesion and social problems. My belief is that most Muslims see themselves as pioneers for Islam, or they would not come to and live in places governed by infidels.

You may recall that the Howard government stopped using the MC word and the last Labor government did nothing to restore MC. Therefore I have high hopes that MC will finally be officially discarded in the near future. A costly and failed ideology.

Dear Banjo,

Many on the left and many on the right push for population growth. No species can increase indefinitely, and we are no exception. At some point there comes a crash. In recorded human history there has been three such crashes. However, population climbs again to higher levels. By keeping its numbers down Australia may avoid the next crash. Generally crashes occur due to war, disease and famine. If we don't keep our numbers down by rational means it will be done by the traditional means.

Italy and Ireland have a decreasing population. It can be done. However, Australia will probably follow lemming logic.