A Federal Government backbencher says the world's rising population is to blame for the most serious global problems.

Labor Member for Wills Kelvin Thompson has told Parliament that global warming, water shortages and even terrorism and wars can be traced back to overpopulation.

Mr Thompson recently linked terrorism with Australia's immigration levels, suggesting a smaller intake would allow more time to assess applications.

He says there is a strong case for population control if world governments are to deal effectively with environmental, economic and social problems.

"It is time for governments and policy makers around the world to come to their senses and take steps to stabilise the world's population," he said.

"It needs to happen in every country, including here in Australia - especially here in dry, arid Australia."

Mr Thompson has also taken aim at his own city of Melbourne, saying planners have tried to prevent urban sprawl with high-rise development to accommodate the increased population.

"What they don't realise is that it isn't halting any urban sprawl at all - suburbs continue to march out onto the horizon," he said.

"Melbourne is becoming an obese, hardened-artery parody of its former self.

"There is something intangible but important about the personal space of a backyard.

"I believe the children who grow up in concrete jungle suburbs are subject to more bullying and harassment and are more vulnerable to traps like crime and drugs."