As the stars are re-aligning I write to make a few observations on the Australian political scene.

As the author of the Adventures in Climate Change series, readers will know my interest in population.

I place the failure of governments to have a formal sustainable population policy at the centre of the changing political galaxy.

To be clear, this policy should be non-racist.

For well over a decade robust credible public opinion polls have consistently shown a majority of our multicultural society say we have excessive population growth.

That same multicultural society makes fertility choices that are well below replacement levels, a trend in many developed countries.

Yet federal governments of both persuasions have pursued high population growth through immigration with a zeal.

Australia has one of the highest population growth rates for developed countries.

This strategy is increasingly described as a Ponzi scheme.

We are now seeing major disruptions.

The federal Government was elected with a low 34.6% primary vote.

The trend of major party decline continues with independents and minor parties achieving 33.6%, out-polling the Coalition on 31.8%.

A situation not seen for seven decades.

Subsequently the Coalition vote has collapsed and now there are tantrums that may lead to a long term separation.

Some commentators are predicting new political parties. Immigration is a key battleground.

The Government continually ignores the demand side. It’s all about increasing supply.

For example, the housing crisis. For many with low incomes or large mortgages this leads to a cost of living crisis.

How much more difficult and expensive is the transition to renewable energy due to the rising population? We never hear a word about that. It’s Economics 101.

Citizens’ frustrations have over-flowed into public demonstrations.

Groups with policies that have racist themes have been quick to leverage these frustrations.

Laws have been changed reducing freedoms.

The opinion polls show One Nation in the ascendancy, although still well below the level where it might form government.

National government is a complex beast.

But the Population Ponzi, out of step with the national sentiment, is a common theme in many short and longer term significant issues.

The nationally derived, state-mandated housing targets, relying on an industry that doesn’t have the capability or capacity to deliver, are but one expression of the impact.

As seen in Kiama.

You don’t have to go far to hear vested interests calling out for more.

The failure of leadership to acknowledge the sentiment risks national division. Winding up the Population Ponzi scheme will take decades.

Like with climate change, the sooner you start the better.

Ray Johnson

Kiama