This briefing paper provides a summary of key data, reports and debate around population growth in NSW and Sydney.

Population growth has been an issue of national concern at various points in Australia's history, and has long been an important issue for NSW and Sydney, the most populous State and city in the country respectively. Population issues were recently propelled to the centre of public debate following the publication of the Federal Treasury's 2010 Intergenerational Report. Considerable debate about issues and priorities in managing population growth in Australia followed the Report's projection that the national population would reach 35.9 million by 2050. Recent studies suggest that population growth is a subject which is attracting more intense public concern.

This briefing paper provides an overview of:

• key pieces of data concerning population growth and the ageing of the population, nationally and in NSW;
• key government reports and initiatives responding to issues presented by population growth at the Federal, NSW and inter-governmental levels;
• responses to the national Sustainable Population Strategy and the National Urban Planning Policy, and
• recent public debate and academic commentary in relation to population issues.