Don't let Australia get too big, say majority of voters

CANBERRA - A survey has shown most voters don't want a bigger Australia, as Population Minister Tony Burke was sworn in at Government House in Canberra.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce presided over the brief ceremony yesterday, wishing Burke well in his new task of devising a plan to manage the nation's population growth.

As Australia's first Population Minister, he will have 12 months to examine what numbers the country can accommodate, and ensure they are provided for with infrastructure, housing and water.

Burke retains the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.

Meanwhile, more than 3000 voters were asked whether they supported population growth in the Australian National University's latest survey of social attitudes.

Almost 70 per cent said they didn't, citing local jobs, urban congestion and the environment as reasons. Those who favoured growth, around 30 per cent, did so for economic reasons such as addressing the ageing population.

But less than a quarter favoured immigration as the main contributor.

Katharine Betts, who has written a report on the findings, says Labor is "very much out of touch with Australian voters" on the issue of population growth.

"The [population] road train's steaming ahead with a lot of unhappy passengers," the Monash University academic told ABC Radio.

"There's a large sway of voters out here who would like the train driver to put on the brakes."

The survey also showed opinions differed between states. About 75 per cent of Queenslanders said they were opposed to population growth, in contrast to the ACT where half supported growth.

The survey was completed in the three months to February, and is in contrast to a Lowy Institute poll that found people wanted a bigger Australia.

The Treasury has forecast the nation's population to reach 36 million by 2050.

- AAP