Productivity
Opinion
Opinion
Is a Future Made in Australia a good idea or a bad one? Maybe a bit of both
Why would Anthony Albanese and his smart economists, Jim Chalmers and Chris Bowen, want to reverse the bipartisan policy of the past 40 years and take us back to the future?
- by Ross Gittins
Latest
Opinion
Healthcare
It’s not perfect, but here’s why our health system is one of the best
Australians pay among the lowest taxes of all developed nations and what’s more, when it comes to healthcare, we’re getting excellent value for money.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Opinion
The pandemic pumped up productivity. Then the bubble burst
Here’s how we’re tracking now, and why putting in more work isn’t the answer.
- by Millie Muroi
PM warned against ‘slippery slope’ of picking business winners with taxpayer billions
Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood said the government’s push to subsidise manufacturing risks creating businesses that rely on handouts. And her predecessors agree.
- by David Crowe and Shane Wright
Opinion
Opinion
How to escape the soul-crushing cycle of micromanagement
Ever been trying to do your job, but your manager weaves their way into the details, destroying your shaky illusion of autonomy? It’s time to reset.
- by Shelley Johnson
Opinion
Opinion
Good news: Our falling productivity is too bad to be true
Our stunning fall in productivity may mean the world’s coming to an end, but it’s more likely to mean there’s something funny going on with the figures.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
NAPLAN
Want better productivity? Start by ensuring our kids can read
One in three Australian primary and secondary students cannot read proficiently, limiting their life chances. It’s an appalling deficiency with a costly economic sting.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
For subscribers
The muscle we need to flex to bring inflation down with less pain
Australians work longer hours, but our extra miles aren’t necessarily moving us forward. Competition, education and perhaps upgrading our treadmill are the keys to not exhausting ourselves.
- by Millie Muroi
The COVID productivity bubble has burst
Australia’s productivity collapse may be partially due to COVID-19 as people were forced out of hospitality. But there are now signs of a turnaround.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Australian economy
Why the Reserve Bank’s wishes might land it on the naughty list
One quarter of weaker growth won’t worry the Reserve Bank, but consumers are weakening, and waking up to the start of a recession would be an unwelcome gift.
- by Millie Muroi
Faster, leaner, meaner: Danielle Wood is in a hurry to make a difference
The new head of the Productivity Commission says she won’t allow big reports about improving our standard of living gather dust on shelves.
- by Rachel Clun