Dick Smith Warns Australia Must Reassess Immigration as Population Hits 28 Million
Dick Smith sounds the alarm over Australia's immigration - as he points to a much larger issue than housing
Image: Mail Online
Businessman Dick Smith has raised concerns about Australia's population growth, which recently reached 28 million, primarily driven by immigration. He urges the Albanese government to limit immigration to sustainable levels, citing potential strains on resources, particularly water supply, as the population is projected to reach 30 million within five years.
- 01Australia's population reached 28 million, largely due to immigration, with projections estimating 30 million by 2028 and 45 million by 2070.
- 02Dick Smith advocates for a sustainable immigration policy, emphasizing the need for a population plan that considers the country's resource limitations.
- 03The Murray Darling Basin, which supports 40% of Australia's agriculture, faces significant water supply challenges exacerbated by population growth.
- 04Smith highlighted the historical impact of droughts on agricultural production, which saw a 24.3% drop in farm production during the Millennium drought.
- 05He criticized the lack of a coherent population policy from all political parties, stressing the need for a national strategy to manage population growth responsibly.
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Businessman Dick Smith has expressed alarm over Australia's population growth, which hit 28 million this week, primarily fueled by immigration. He urged the Albanese government to reconsider its immigration policies, arguing that the country, being the driest inhabited continent, may not sustain a population much larger than the current figure. Smith pointed out that the natural birth rate is below replacement level, indicating a need for careful management of immigration to ensure resources can support the population. He specifically referenced the Murray Darling Basin, a critical water source for agriculture, which is already strained by droughts. With projections suggesting that Australia's population could reach 30 million in just five years and potentially 100 million by the end of the century, Smith called for a national population policy, criticizing political parties for lacking a clear plan. He emphasized the importance of balancing immigration with sustainable resource management to avoid exacerbating existing challenges.
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The rapid population growth could strain Australia's water resources, particularly in agricultural regions like the Murray Darling Basin, affecting food production and prices.
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