This report examines the issues affecting the competitiveness of Tasmanian business as they relate to shipping, port, road, and rail infrastructure and services. It also focuses on the effectiveness of the freight and passenger subsidy schemes and assesses the alignment of their objectives and outcomes. Key points: Tasmania, like mainland Australia, is an island economy...

The costs of doing business in the retail sector are inflated by unnecessary regulations, argues this report. Introduction The retail industry provides a key intermediary service between producers and consumers of final goods. The sector contributes almost 5 per cent to GDP and over 10 per cent to employment. Whether based in Australia or elsewhere...

Australian dairy product manufacturers face some cost disadvantages relative to their competitors, but also some relative advantages (including lower raw milk costs), argues this report. Overview The Commission’s preliminary assessment is that Australian dairy product manufacturers face some cost disadvantages relative to their competitors, but also some relative advantages (including lower raw milk costs). Some...

Australian adults are above the OECD average in literacy but only average in numeracy, according to a staff paper released by the Productivity Commission. The paper analyses the profile of adult literacy and numeracy skills in Australia, and how important those skills are for labour market outcomes. Key points: Adult literacy and numeracy skills contribute...

This submission responds to six matters raised in the Draft Report: definition of access to justice; complex legal need; increased use of ADR; ADR and legal education; integrated legal service delivery model; and legal assistance landscape. My working life focusses on Access to Justice particularly as it relates to the poor and disadvantaged. I have...