Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Given some of the other statements that have been made, I indicate that I support this inquiry. I think we do need to be informed. I happen to believe that we do need to have a sensible, sustained population growth in this country, particularly with an ageing population, in order to have a sufficient balance of the younger demographic to ensure they can pay for the pensions of older Australians. I do not see this as being anti population growth as such. It is about having a debate on this very important issue. Such an inquiry would look at issues of urban design, suburban sprawl and the sustainability and liveability of our city centres. I think that is a sensible thing to do. It should be seen in the context of an ageing population in this country. We do need to make plans for the future as to what mix we want in the context of the intergenerational challenge that has been referred to in previous Commonwealth government reports. I think this is a sensible move. I do not see this as having anything to do with China, a one-child policy or anything like that. I think we should have this debate.

Question put:

That the motion (Senator Bob Brown’s) be agreed to.