'Sustainability' is invoked as a desirable objective in a range of contexts, yet its meaning is not always clear. Sustainability can imply vastly different policy responses depending on interpretation, particularly in relation to the degree to which environmental and other resources should be consumed over time. Using an economic framework, this paper illustrates possible interpretations...

The terms efficiency and effectiveness are commonly used, yet often are applied in slightly and occasionally widely different ways. This paper sets out how the Productivity Commission defines these terms along with related concepts such as cost effectiveness and productivity. The terms of reference for inquiries and studies undertaken by the Productivity Commission often require...

This report, produced by the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (SCRGSP) contains all Indigenous data reported in the Report on Government Services 2013. This Compendium of Indigenous data is drawn entirely from information contained in the Report on Government Services 2013 (2013 Report). The Report on Government Services (RoGS) is published...

This report presents background information for an inquiry on the compulsory licensing provisions of the Patents Act 1990 (Cwlth). Key points: Like most countries, Australia has legislated a system of compulsory licensing so that patent owners can be compelled to license their inventions to others in a limited range of circumstances. Survey data and participants’...

The paper examines the recent trends in Australia's individual and household income distributions.