The scorecard assesses and ranks the performance of each Australian state across ten economic indicators: annual growth in per capita gross state product, annual wage growth, jobs growth, retail turnover, tax burden, debt burden, productivity growth, business investment, rental affordability and energy affordability. Western Australia is the best performing state and New South Wales the...

This analysis reveals that a fair and appropriate increase to the minimum wage, and accompanying increases to award rates, would not have a significant effect on inflation in Australia. The analysis examines the correlation between minimum wage increases and inflation going back 30 years, and finds no consistent link between minimum wage increases and inflation.

A detailed examination of data from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and Australia’s National Accounts reveals that wage growth is not responsible for the recent uptick in inflation. It concludes that the RBA’s latest interest rate hike fails to address the bigger driver of inflation – surging company profits – but it blames the...

This report considers the productivity challenge within Australia’s retail sector which has seen greater productivity increases over the past two decades than in other sectors, but not a proportionate improvement in living standards for its workforce. It offers a cautionary tale for policymakers, highlighting how productivity benefits don’t automatically flow through. The report provides two...

The final report of the independent statutory review of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 and Part 16A of Schedule 1 of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023. It finds that the reforms are, on the whole, achieving the Australian Government’s intent. The report makes 21 recommendations.