Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the coalition, I indicate that we will oppose this notice of motion. It is not because we disagree with its intent; indeed, many of the clauses that are contained in this notice of motion are consistent with the coalition’s population policy, which has been detailed and released. I would note that we are the only mainstream party that has a comprehensive population policy in place ahead of the next election.

Our objection to this is that it presupposes that Australia has an ability to influence and slow global population growth which, quite frankly, beggars belief at a most reasonable level. Australia certainly has an ability to influence its own population growth at this point, but whether we should be slowing population growth globally is something of much broader consideration. The coalition did seek to amend this motion. The Greens, unfortunately, were not amenable to amending it, so the coalition is not able to support this motion at this time.