A LABOR backbencher says Australia should curb its population growth by slashing the immigration intake - including skilled migration - and abolishing middle-class welfare measures that encourage people to have children.

In his submission to the government's inquiry into population, the Victorian MP Kelvin Thomson says Australia can sustain an ageing population by increasing the productivity of its present population, especially older people, rather than importing migrants and workers.

He also calls for an end to the baby bonus, the large family supplement and family tax benefit A for third and later children. The combined $3 billion in annual savings should be used for building the skills and qualifications of young people and abolishing HECS, he says.

Mr Thomson backs the government's intention to reform the welfare system, especially the disability support pension, to ensure those who are able to work, do so.

But he criticises the government's decision to speed up the rules for importing skilled workers, who come in on 457 visas, to help repair the flood damage in Queensland. ''The claim that we will need more skilled migrants in order to cope with the flood damage is insulting and ridiculous,'' he says.