Australia’s Population and the Future
Speaker: Professor Graeme Hugo, The University of Adelaide
Australia’s population is growing faster than at any time since the 1960s. This presentation analyses the processes behind this growth and assesses the outlook for Australian population growth over the next thirty years. It is argued that Australia faces a population dilemma. On the one hand, the passage of the baby boom bulge into retirement means there is a need for population growth. On the other hand, the environment and the impending impacts of climate change place constraints on expansion. It is argued that Australia needs to develop a vision and policy toward its future population which is soundly based on physical and social science knowledge and is inclusive of the interests of all Australians.
