The Productivity Commission invites examination of the draft report, and written submissions by Friday 18 September 2015. The draft report is a broad-ranging assessment of Australia's workplace relations framework, considering current laws, institutions and practices. It uses an economy-wide approach, looking at possible reforms that, where merited, are likely to enhance the welfare of Australians...

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors exacts an enormous toll on workers, law-abiding employers, and our economy. Accurate information on the prevalence of the problem, and on patterns of violations, can help government officials to direct their efforts at the worst violators and most problematic industries.

Summary: The surge in house prices was the major story to come out of the State economy this quarter and was in the headlines most recently when the Domain Group reported that Sydney's median house price had “smashed through the magic $1 million mark” for the first time following growth of 8.4% over the June...

Contains estimates of employed and unemployed persons classified by sex, full-time/part-time status, states and territories and some age groups; and persons not in the labour force. Key points Trend Estimates (Monthly Change) Employment increased to 11,767,200. Unemployment decreased to 753,800. Unemployment rate remained steady at 6.0%. Participation rate remained steady at 64.8%. Aggregate monthly hours...

In the decades ahead, digital disruption could result, according to some predictions, in nearly half of all current jobs in Australia being displaced - unless we skill up. While technology will undoubtedly create new employment opportunities, will it create enough of them? Already, many qualified young Australians are unable to find employment. Is there a...