The Latest Breaking News from the Productivity Commission

Yes, Australian businesses have become less dynamic. But there are bigger reasons for our sliding productivity growth

Since 2005, annual labour productivity growth (growth in output per hour worked) has been the best part of one percentage point below its long-term average in Australia and other developed countries.

The Conversation · Jun 25, 2023

Alan Kohler: Time to revisit the Allan Fels system of price control – naming and shaming

It’s time to revisit the Fels system of price control.That is – put some resources into price surveillance, and name and shame the gougers.

The New Daily · Jun 21, 2023

Successful Voice will help with Closing the Gap: Burney

The Productivity Commission's latest data on Closing the Gap shows that there's more work to do to achieve social and health equity for Indigenous people.

The New Daily · Jun 14, 2023

Alan Kohler: Why the RBA thinks if there must be a recession, there will be a recession

The implication of what Philip Lowe said is that unless productivity improves fast, there will have to be a recession.

The New Daily · May 31, 2023

DIY degree? Why universities should make online educational materials free for all

This article is part of our series on big ideas for the Universities Accord. The federal government is calling for ideas to “reshape and reimagine higher education, and set it up for the next decade and beyond”. A review team is due to finish a draft report in June and…

The Conversation · May 28, 2023

If you buy it, why can't you fix it? Here's why we still don't have the 'right to repair'

When you buy a product, you expect to be able to repair it. The problem is, many modern products are designed so that you can’t fix them. Vital parts are inaccessible. Or you have to go through the manufacturer, which may well just give you a new one. The end…

The Conversation · Apr 17, 2023

What is the National School Reform Agreement and what does it have to do with school funding?

This week, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare announced an expert panel to advise on “key targets and specific reforms” that should be tied to funding in the next National School Reform Agreement (NSRA).

The Conversation · Mar 30, 2023

Upskilling workers and slashing tariffs: key takeaways from the Productivity Commission report

Five-yearly report devotes section to threat of climate crisis and suggests five ‘reform pillars’ to boost sluggish productivity growth

The Guardian - AU · Mar 17, 2023

I helped write the Productivity Commission's 5-year productivity review: here's what I think Australia should do

Australia is a living testament to the benefits of productivity growth.

The Conversation · Mar 17, 2023