Graduate program - applications now open

Danielle Wood, Chair, Productivity Commission

[Danielle speaking] Hi, I'm Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission and former PC graduate.

For those of you that don't know about us, we are the Australian Government's preeminent policy research and advisory body.

We advise the Government on issues from economic policy to social policy to environmental. So to give you some examples of recent reports, we've looked into the mental health system and how it impacts the lives of Australians. We've grappled with the issue of housing and homelessness.

We've thought about how we can improve living standards for all Australians.

So if you're interested in this kind of deep policy work, we are a really unique place to work.

We get the time to think deeply about issues, to do analysis and research, to consult broadly, and then to put evidence backed recommendations to government.

I can say as a relatively new side of myself, it's a fun place to work. It's a warm it's an intellectually curious environment, and it's a place where you get to learn from everyone, from your fellow graduates right up to our fantastic team of commissioners.

So if this sounds like it's for you, we take a cohort of graduates each year from different academic backgrounds.

We prioritize intellect, curiosity and a passion for public policy and making a difference.

You can find out more on the PC website and we look forward to your application.

Why is the Productivity Commission such an interesting place to work?

People

Jeremy Kamil, Senior Research Economist, Melbourne

[Jeremy speaking] The best part about working here is the people.

They're smart, they're fun, and they love to engage in in good economic debate. We work together and we can turn some good ideas into great ideas.

Visits

Sally Harvey, Senior Research Economist, Melbourne

[Sally speaking] The most rewarding part of my job is the visits that we do with people over the course of an inquiry or a study, having people generously contribute their views and experiences and hearing how policy affects their lives.

Policy

Lachlan O'Neil, Public Policy Analysis / Research Economist, Melbourne

[Lachlan speaking] Sometimes when you're working on one of these projects, you find out some really interesting or unexpected things.

For example, when I was working on the National School Reform Agreement Review, I was really surprised by the lack of publicly available data on students with disability.

This was a good project to work on because it's a really interesting area of public policy and we got to talk to quite a lot of different stakeholder groups and hear about what they want to see changed in schooling in Australia and I really enjoyed that experience.

Variety

Anna Law, Senior Research Economist, Canberra

[Anna speaking] I really enjoy the challenge of working out a new policy area every 12 to 18 months.

It's one of the only places that you get the time to be able to do in-depth research and analysis on the problem areas that are affecting the Australian economy and people.

[Smiling and laughing staff]

pc.gov.au/careers

[Sentences alternate between Male and Female speakers - starts with male]

The Productivity Commission is an independent research and advisory agency for the Australian Government.

While the government largely determines our work program, our findings and recommendations are independent and based on our own analysis and judgment.

Not only do we look at economic issues, but social and environmental issues too.

Our research and policy advice can help governments improve or create better policies to benefit all Australians.

Our main role is to conduct public inquiries and studies into current issues.

For example our inquiry into disability support was used in creating the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Our projects provide opportunities for different points of view to be heard and considered.

Participation in our inquiries or Commissioned studies is encouraged and gives you the opportunity to have a say in Australia’s public policy formation.

You can participate by making a submission to us, it’s open to all. Submissions can be a short email or letter outlining your views or a much more substantial document.

Providing evidence such as documentation, data or research to support your viewpoint is always useful.

Often after we release a draft report, we hold hearings that are open to the public.

Anyone can participate whether it be elaborating on their submission or simply providing relevant information to the Commissioners.

Whether you want to speak at a hearing or just observe, you will be able to book a spot via our website.

The Commission also undertakes additional research. Some of this research supports our inquiries as well as helping outline future directions for reform.

You can find out more about us and our current projects by heading to our website, pc.gov.au