Populations of New Zealand and Australia at the Millennium

A joint Special Issue of the Journal of Population Research and the New Zealand Population Review

Edited by Gordon A. Carmichael with A. Dharmalingam

Published September 2002
ISBN 0-9578572-1-7

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POPULATION POLICY: ELEMENTS OF A BIPARTISAN APPROACH
Don Rowland, The Australian National University

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Abstract
This paper examines the similarities and differences between the approaches to population matters of the major political parties in Australia. Of particular interest are the prospects for a bipartisan approach to population policy and its possible characteristics. The paper argues that there are important similarities between the major parties in relation to demographic goals and concerns. Their positions on population matters also have little in common with those of most of the organizations and individuals who have been conspicuous in advocating the adoption of a population policy since the 1970s. While the government rejects the concept of a population policy as too narrow and limiting, its approach to the management of aspects of demographic change is consistent with the opposition’s more holistic concept of a population policy. Development of a bipartisan position will need to entail acceptance of a broad-based concept and the statement of demographic goals in public policy generally.

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