The nation's population should be set by an independent authority, similar to the Reserve Bank of Australia's board, scientist Tim Flannery says.
The former Australian of the Year suggested the authority set the country's target population for 2030.
Then the federal government could adapt the annual immigration intake to reflect that figure, with a review of the target to take place every five years, Professor Flannery said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"If we've built the infrastructure, and if we've solved some of the climate problems and the food problems and so forth, that might be an argument for increasing the population," he told ABC Television on Thursday.
"If we haven't, we don't deserve the increase."
Sustainable Population Minister Tony Burke didn't like the idea, saying the government should be responsible for such matters.
"Having been given a new ministry which has never existed before it actually ought to be me who is involved in the consultation, and making the decisions and making a call and making the recommendations," he said.
"Palming it off from day one to some independent body, I think (voters) actually want government to take responsibility."
Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison agreed the government should set population targets, but with the help of a productivity and sustainability commission.
