The mutual recognition schemes linking Australian states and territories and New Zealand have contributed to the creation of a seamless national economy in Australia and a single economic market across the Tasman, according to this report. This, and other findings are contained in a review of the schemes the Commission presented to Australian Heads of...

This paper outlines the main issues that the Commission will consider in its current inquiry into gambling, and provides background information on the industry and its impacts, including: a profile of gambling activity and gamblers in Australia, gambling trends, taxation and regulatory arrangements, current consumer protection and harm minimisation measures.

Under the Copyright Act 1968, authors and publishers who create a book are automatically entitled to a number of ‘exclusive rights’ over their work. Copyright protection of a book makes it illegal for others to make copies of that book without the permission of the copyright holder. Other provisions in the Copyright Act — the...

The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within six months on the current provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (the 'Copyright Act') that restrict the parallel importation of books, and provide advice on the potential for reform in the area. The Commission will examine, and invites participants to comment on, a range of issues...

A taxpayer-funded parental leave scheme of 18 weeks at the adult minimum wage ($544 per week) would benefit around 140,000 mothers and their newborn children each year and yield community-wide gains in the long term, according to this draft report. The scheme also provides for two weeks’ paid leave to over 225,000 eligible fathers. The...