22 December 2010 Population: the conversation we have to have This month's ruling by the High Court on the offshore detention processing of asylum seekers and Immigration Minister Chris Bowen's changes to the skilled migration program intake will start another shrill and confusing conversation between our political leaders that will yet again leave Australians confused and divided about the critical issue of population policy. The Australian community has not reached a consensus on our population. Governments have not explained to us what our population will look like and why. Without this consensus governments will struggle to implement policies, like responding to climate change and using water, that essentially rely on the rationing of resources. Running focus groups across the country on precisely these issues over the last five years has shown me the yawning chasm between those trying to pull the policy levers and the general community. The briefs prepared by the Treasury for an incoming government called for strong population growth. The business community likewise wants to see an increase in numbers. This is in stark contrast to community attitudes I see around the country. Talking to Australians you quickly realise how hard it is to build support for household water restrictions when at the same time you have failed to explain why the number of households is increasing. It is equally hard to ask Australians to consume less energy when our policy settings are increasing the number of energy consumers year in, year out. Our politicians have in