Senator Steve Fielding told a senate environment hearing in the country's capital, Canberra, that when couples separated, they needed more rooms, more electricity and more water. Such a "resource-inefficient lifestyle" meant it would be better for the Earth if couples remained together, he said.
Well, yes, the senator is right - on one level, at least. It follows, of course, that for every couple that split up, additional accommodation is needed - which requires the harnessing of more of the planet's natural resources. In today's "green" culture, this isn't a particularly good thing.
However, what Senator Fielding overlooks is human happiness. It's all very well trying to save the planet, but if you lose your sanity in the process - by remaining trapped in an unhappy marriage - the protection of the Earth for future generations seems a lot less important.
I'm not saying we shouldn't be concerned about global warming issues, but we have to get things into perspective.
The perspective for many separating couples is a personal one. When a marriage falls apart, it is only the loftier of thinkers who might imagine that people will take the global view.
What irks me about the senator's comments is that they add to the already heavy burden of blame felt by people whose marriages fail. If you are struggling with guilt over how the children will be affected by your separation, you really don't need something else with which to beat yourself up.
Preserving the planet's resources is a complex task that has to be tackled by everyone, not just divorcing couples. My view is that no one should feel they have to stay married purely to save water and electricity.
What is more important is for people to make decisions that will afford them a better quality of life, and for many that means divorce.
Senator Fielding might not have thought about this, but if a husband or wife successfully carves out a happier existence for themselves through getting divorced, as a result they may be more productive in the workplace, more socially adept and acquire more wisdom and understanding.
That's got to be good for them - and also good for the future of mankind.
