The question of whether Australia should welcome population growth or avoid it remains unresolved. The issue raises its head in public debate in different guises – from controversies over importing labour to filling vacancies in booming industries like mining, to temporary work visas and refugee quotas, from pressure on infrastructure and services in cities to boosting regional areas – who makes up Australia’s population and what level it should be remains a sticky issue.

The two positions are presented in an easy to read 2-books-in-1 format. Both authors discuss the seven key reasons why we should say yes/no to a big Australia and further investigate the evidence behind each of these reasons through their seven chapters. Importantly, this book leaves no issue hanging. On top of their seven key arguments, each author gives a punchy rebuttal to their opponent’s specific arguments.

Mark O'Connor