Australia's Population, To Grow or Not to Grow

The future of the population of Australia is a big issue, and it is getting bigger as several critics, media, economists, church representatives and analysts make their own stands about it. There are so many sides to be tackled. First, is it a part of the government plan or just an insurmountable event that will welcome the country on the coming years? And then, will it be beneficial for the country or will just lead to more poorer Australians? All these and more are the reasons why the prediction of the future population became sensational. And this is not just domestically, but also internationally. This is because immigration to Australia by many nationalities might be threatened by whatever results there may have according to this prediction.

Just last February, the government released their Third Intergenerational Report. It said there that by 2050, the total number of Australians living in the country will sum up to 36 million. The population is expected to grow by 13.7 million or nearly 62 percent on the present level. This report earned mixed reaction, leading to various, debates and creation of different forecasts.

36 million is quite large for the country. What contributes on the number is the growing birth rate and increase in immigration to Australia each year. Even if the island is big enough to accommodate the number, many are still doubtful because of its possible effect on the economy. And while others are feeling this way, many are calm, saying that the growth in population will be one of the best thing that can happen to Australia.

Economists are torn about this. They are thinking if to populate is still a very good step for the country. One side is insisting that larger population may complicate the current system in the country. Unemployment and poverty may rise. On the other side, some economists are saying that the country need to populate. They are basing their side on the possibility that if there are more people, demand will be higher, leading to creation of more businesses and then more jobs. Some of the industries that will affected are housing and real estate, education, business sector, motor vehicles and more. Both sides have lend their justifications, and up to now, no one is awarded as right.

Whatever result there may be, the most affected sector are people who are holding or about to apply for travel visa to Australia. There are some who are urging the government to put hiatus on their massive immigration program, which was started for centuries now. But this program is already a part of their system, a great contributor to their economy. This is maybe the reason why immigration to Australia continuous. Immigrants shouldn't be afraid because as long as Australia need them, they will have a glimpse of the Land of Opportunities.