Supporting Research Program

One of the Commission’s functions, specified in the Productivity Commission Act 1998, is to undertake research on issues relating to industry, industry development and productivity. This research supports and complements the Commission’s core functions of conducting public inquiries and studies commissioned by the Government.

The main objectives of the supporting research program are to provide high quality, policy-relevant information, analysis and advice to governments and the community. The Commission also organises research conferences and workshops in order to advance the debate on policy issues, to encourage cutting-edge contributions, and to facilitate research networks.

The Commission’s supporting research program includes work on:

• Productivity performance and its determinants
• Environmental and resource management
• Labour markets – including distributional and other social dimensions
• Economic models and frameworks to aid policy analysis.

See also: Overview of the supporting research program