NSW: Carr, Keneally welcome appointment of population minister

AAP General News (Australia)
04-03-2010
NSW: Carr, Keneally welcome appointment of population minister

SYDNEY, April 3 AAP - Former NSW premier Bob Carr says the federal government's appointment
of Australia's first population minister reflects increasing concern about high immigration
levels.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Saturday announced the appointment of Tony Burke to the new post.

Mr Rudd had been under pressure to better examine the nation's population, which is
on a trajectory to reach 35.9 million by 2050.

Mr Carr said it was clear Mr Rudd had "listened to the many expressions of concern".

"As a critic of high immigration, I welcome the announcement," he told AAP.

"It reflects increasing concern that Australia is going to pay a very high price if
current high immigration levels continue until we reach a population of 35 million by
2050.

"It's not only environmental madness, it's economic madness as well."

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said the appointment was a major step in planning for
Australia and in particular Sydney, which is expected to reach a population of six million
by 2036.

"The new minister is important as NSW will take in the largest percentage of new residents,
and population growth will have the greatest impact on NSW," Ms Keneally said in a statement.

AAP bzs/goc/

KEYWORD: POPULATION NSW

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