Newly appointed Population Minister Tony Burke says the portfolio is more than a debate about immigration levels, calling on Australians to remain “calm” on the issue.
The current Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was given the new role of Population Minister in the Treasury Portfolio on Saturday. His first task will be to develop Australia’s first comprehensive Population Strategy, according to an accompanying news release from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
“In his new role, Minister Burke will consider the likely trajectory of population growth and the challenges and opportunities this will create,” said the prime minister in the statement. “Minister Burke will also be tasked with developing the cross government frameworks that will be required to make the most of the opportunities, and minimise the risks, associated with population growth.”
The development of Australia’s regional towns was a priority as the country’s population continues to grow, Mr Rudd said.
“The strategy will also consider, as an early priority, the opportunities a growing population will create for economic growth and to further develop and grow Australia’s regional towns and communities. The policy will bring a whole-of-government perspective drawing on input from all portfolios,” the statement continued.
“The strategy will also seek to address the challenges associated with population growth, including the impact on the environment, water, and urban congestion.”
However Minister Burke, in an interview on ABC Radio on Monday, sought to downplay suggestions that the strategy would only deal with immigration questions.
“This is not simply an old style immigration debate,” Mr Burke said. “This is about people in the urban areas as well (those) who are seeing infrastructure pushed to capacity… it’s about some areas of the country where there are employers desperately need more people.”
However Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison sought to focus the issue on asylum seekers as he told the ABC he was doubtful the Government could contain the immigration debate.
“The government has boxed itself into a corner of this big Australia notion that it’s going to impose whether people like it or not,” he said.
Greens leader applauded the creation of a population ministry but said Mr Burke lacked the credentials for the job.
“He works very well with the big end of town and he’s worked very well with the big forest industries and the pulp mill organisers, but he’s been a very poor communicator with the wider populace,” he said.
Minister Burke will oversee a plan that will allow Australia to cope with an expected increase to 35 million people by 2050.
By Rich Bowden
Source: theAngle Australasian/Pacific News Coverage
Net News Publisher for World News
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