Senator LUDWIG (Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (9:57 AM) —I seek leave to make a short statement.

The PRESIDENT —Leave is granted for two minutes.

Senator LUDWIG —The government is committed to developing a population strategy that considers pressures on infrastructure, services and the environment. It is also an opportunity to look at managing the pressures of an ageing population by providing the skills and innovation needed to underpin continued economic growth.

It is important that sustainable growth improve our standard of living and preserve our unique environment. To help guide the development of future policies, the Prime Minister announced on 3 April 2010 the appointment of the Hon. Tony Burke MP to the new office of Minister for Population in the Treasury portfolio. Minister Burke’s initial task will be to develop Australia’s first comprehensive population strategy over the next 12 months. The strategy will consider the social and economic infrastructure Australia will need to support a growing population, including the roads, housing and service delivery network. As an early priority it will also consider maximising opportunities for the Australian people. This inquiry proposed by Senator Brown will duplicate this important body of work that the government is committed to delivering.