Completed inquiries
The following is a list of all completed Public inquiries and commissioned studies undertaken by the Commission.
Regulator engagement with small business
09 / 10 / 2013
The Australian Government, with the agreement of Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, has requested that the Productivity Commission undertake a 9-month benchmarking study into regulator engagement with small business.
Electricity network regulation
26 / 06 / 2013
This inquiry will test whether there are any barriers in the regulatory framework to the greater use of productivity benchmarking by energy networks, which could deliver more efficient outcomes to consumers. It will also examine if efficient levels of transmission interconnectors are being delivered to support the efficient operation of the National Electricity Market.
Safeguards inquiry into the import of processed tomato products
21 / 06 / 2013
Inquiry into whether safeguard action is warranted against imports of processed tomato products of the Australian Customs Tariff.
Compulsory licensing of patents
03 / 04 / 2013
The Australian Government has asked the Commission to undertake an inquiry into the compulsory licensing provisions in the Patents Act 1990. The purpose of the inquiry is to assess, advise and recommend on the impacts and mechanisms of compulsory licensing invoked by the Patent Act's public interest and anti-competitive safeguard.
Barriers to effective climate change adaptation
14 / 03 / 2013
The Commission was asked to undertake an inquiry to identify regulations and policies that may be barriers to effective adaptation to climate change, and examine the costs and benefits of options to remove those barriers.
Regulatory impact analysis: Benchmarking
13 / 12 / 2012
The Australian Government, with the agreement of COAG's Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, has requested that the Productivity Commission undertake a benchmarking study into regulatory impact analysis (RIA) processes.
Strengthening economic relations between Australia and New Zealand
13 / 12 / 2012
In 2012, the Australian and New Zealand Productivity Commissions jointly studied the options for further reforms that would increase economic integration and improve economic outcomes.
Default superannuation funds in modern awards
12 / 10 / 2012
The Australian Government has announced a 9 month inquiry into default superannuation funds. The Government indicated that the inquiry is expected to commence in January 2012, after formal receipt by the Commission of the terms of reference.
Performance benchmarking of Australian business regulation: Role of local government as regulator
18 / 07 / 2012
The Australian Government, with the agreement of COAG's Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, has requested that the Productivity Commission undertake a benchmarking study into the role of local government as a regulator.
Australia's export credit arrangements
26 / 06 / 2012
In undertaking the inquiry, the Commission is to consider arrangements for the provision of export credit through the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).
Impacts of COAG reforms: Business regulation and VET
15 / 05 / 2012
At its March 2008 meeting, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) decided that the Productivity Commission would be requested to report to COAG on the impacts and benefits of COAG's reform agenda every two to three years. Terms of Reference for this commissioned work stream were released by the Australian Government on 16 June 2010.
Education and training workforce: Schools workforce
04 / 05 / 2012
Education and training workforce: Schools workforce
Economic regulation of airport services (2012)
30 / 03 / 2012
A public inquiry into the future regulation and monitoring of airport services and the scope and mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability in airport infrastructure provision and services.
Identifying and evaluating regulation reforms
15 / 12 / 2011
The Commission has been asked by the Australian Government to focus on frameworks and approaches that can most effectively identify areas for regulation reform and methods for evaluating reform outcomes.
Economic structure and performance of the Australian retail industry
09 / 12 / 2011
A public inquiry into the implications of globalisation on the Australian retail sector.
Education and training workforce: Early childhood development
01 / 12 / 2011
The Commission has been asked to provide advice on planning, development and structure of the early childhood sector's workforces in the short, medium and long-term.
Australia's urban water sector
12 / 10 / 2011
The Australian Government has asked the Commission to conduct a public inquiry into Australia's Urban Water Sector.
Disability care and support
10 / 08 / 2011
A public inquiry into a long-term care and support scheme for people with a disability in Australia.
Caring for older Australians
08 / 08 / 2011
In undertaking the inquiry, the Commission had developed options for further structural reform of the aged care system so it can meet the challenges facing it in coming decades.
Rural research and development corporations
15 / 06 / 2011
This public inquiry will consider the economic and policy rationale for Australian Government investment in rural research and development.