Businessman Dick Smith has fiercely criticised Australia's 'relentless' population increase after the nation's population hit 28 million. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population clock passed the milestone in the early hours of Tuesday morning (June 2), based on real-time calculations of births, deaths, and net migration.
Smith's Concerns Over Migration
Mr Smith, a long-time opponent of a 'Big Australia', accused successive governments of ignoring public concerns about population growth. 'This is completely driven by immigration,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'The natural birthrate is below replacement level because Australian families are sensible. They have a population plan, but Australia doesn't.'
He warned that if current trends continue, Australia's population could reach 100 million by the end of the century. 'The problem at the moment is the relentless level of immigration,' he said. 'We're going to get to 100 million by 2100, when our grandchildren will still be alive. One hundred million is a ridiculous number for a dry country like Australia.'
Call for Population Cap
Mr Smith urged the government to cap Australia's population at 30 million. The ABS estimates that a person arrives to live in Australia every 59 seconds, while the overall population increases by one person every 75 seconds. The figures show Australia's population has grown by almost 500,000 people in the past year and by more than one million since 2023.
Regional Growth Variations
Western Australia is leading the national surge in population growth. According to ABS head of demography Phil Browning, the state recorded a nation-leading growth rate of 2.2 per cent from September 2024 to September 2025. In contrast, Tasmania had the slowest growth over the year, with a 0.3 per cent rise in population.
The Centre for Population accurately predicted WA's fast growth and Tasmania's slow growth in its population statement published last year. In its latest statement, the authority projected the national growth rate to slow to 1.3 per cent for the 2025-2026 period, reflecting an expected drop in net overseas migration alongside plummeting birthrates. The centre projected the national fertility rate would hit a record low of just 1.42 children per woman, falling well short of the 2.1 needed to sustain natural growth.
News.com.au has contacted the office of Tony Burke, MP, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, for comment.
