This report reframes the national productivity debate – arguing that rather than pursuing productivity growth for its own sake, its purpose must be clarified: to lift living standards, improve wellbeing and accelerate the transition to net zero. It lays out practical, achievable reforms and provides recommendations on three key themes: a dynamic and more resilient...

Three issues papers covering each of the themes of the Australian Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable: economic resilience, productivity, and budget sustainability and tax reform. They define the issues, set out recent trends and outline the big challenges and opportunities Australia is confronting.

The Productivity Commission has been asked by the Australian Government to conduct five inquiries to identify priority reforms under their five pillar productivity growth agenda. This introduction to the reports explores why reigniting productivity is essential to improving wellbeing and supporting strong, resilient and sustainable economic growth.

Australia’s long-term economic prosperity is under threat due to a sustained slowdown in productivity growth. Structural challenges have exacerbated this and the policy responses to COVID-19 may have hindered longer-term productivity growth. Renewed reform and innovation could reverse this trend. This paper outlines the issue and explores how Australia can improve its labour productivity.

Australian manufacturing has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades. This report on manufacturing explores the industry’s unique strengths and challenges with analysis of key performance factors such as economic and demand conditions, cost pressures, trade exposure, workforce needs and investment. It identifies key performance factors for 2024 and outlook themes for 2025.