sustainable growth

ABC TV's Tony Jones' current affairs debate this evening provided firstly prominent Australian, Dick Smith, with a heart felt concern about the uncontrolled, unplanned immigration surge impacting Australia, then a rigorous but too brief a debate from nevertheless a fair cross section of what appeared to be informed observers. Useful issues were presented from many quarters.

One key observation is that Dick Smith, who dared to initiate the debate and invest much in the documentary, insightfully concluded that at least Australia is mature enough to start publicly debating the subject. What needs to be thought through next is a national plan for population into the medium term future. Well done Dick Smith for your leadership on this critical issue!

Bernard Salt's main concern is that we need strong population growth to support a rising tax base in the coming decade. His view is that after 2020 it will be a bleak time for Australian investors, as baby boomers retire off. Bernard Salt says that there's a strong need to lift the number of taxpayers in Australia during that period to pay for the retirement needs of the baby boomers.