Media releases

Our media releases provide informative statements for media outlets and the wider-community about our broad range of work.

For media enquiries, call our Media team on 02 6240 3330 or email media@pc.gov.au.

Renewing Australia's VET system - Options for reform

Australia’s Vocational, Education and Training (VET) sector is underperforming, excessively complicated and suffers from ad hoc policy approaches, says an interim report released today by the Productivity Commission.

Centring Indigenous people in evaluation is key to better outcomes

The Productivity Commission today outlined a plan to improve the evaluation of policies and programs affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Rules-based trade remains a high priority for Australia

The rules-based global trading system is at risk due to the failure to appoint new judges to the World Trade Organisation’s Appellate Body, leaving it unable to rule on appeals, the Productivity Commission finds in its latest Trade and…

A new approach to NT children and family services needed

A report released today by the Productivity Commission calls for a fundamental change in approach to the way the Commonwealth and NT Governments fund children and family services.

Better regulation will support investment and build community trust in the resources sector

Government commitment to improve regulation for mining and gas projects will have benefits for both industry and the wider community according to a Productivity Commission report released today.

Population growth and climate change call for a new water policy approach

Australian water policy faces major challenges in coming decades to maintain urban liveability and green open space according to a Productivity Commission report.

Remote area tax concessions and payments

The final study report looks at the effects of the zone tax offset, remote area allowance and remote area concessions for fringe benefits tax on people and businesses in remote areas. The report makes recommendations on whether these remote area

Report on Government Services 2020

The Report on Government Services is a vital tool in providing information to the community and holding all Australian governments accountable for the effectiveness and efficiency of government services.

Transport reforms - On the right track but running late

Reform in the transport sector has been disappointingly slow and has not delivered the expected productivity gains, according to a draft report released today by the Productivity Commission.

A new approach to NT children and family services needed

A draft report released today by the Productivity Commission found that a fundamental change in approach is needed to better coordinate funding decisions between the two governments.

Mental ill-health and suicide cost Australia nearly $500 million per day

The Productivity Commission estimates that mental ill-health and suicide are costing Australia up to $180 billion per year and treatment and services are not meeting community expectations.

Affordability is the key challenge for a growing number of vulnerable private renters

Private rental market affordability has remained steady in Australia, but there has been a rapid rise in the number of low-income renters.

Remote area tax concessions and payments need an overhaul

The Commission has called for an overhaul of remote area tax concessions and payments so they are better targeted and fairer.

Demand driven university system gets a mixed report card

The ‘demand driven higher education system’ drove a surge in domestic undergraduate enrolments between 2010 and 2017.

World trade faces biggest challenges since 1930's

The world trading system is under greater strain than at any time since the 1930s and can no longer be taken for granted, the Productivity Commission finds in its latest Trade and Assistance Review.

Reforms are needed to enable greater scrutiny of airport performance

Australian airports are investing to meet soaring demand for travel, and operate efficiently by world standards, but Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports should be required to provide more information to the Australian Competition and…

New agreement on disability needed to improve the wellbeing of people with disability

The Productivity Commission has called for a new National Disability Agreement (NDA) between all Australian governments to promote cooperation, enhance accountability and clarify roles and responsibilities.

Report on Government Services 2019

The Report on Government Services is a vital tool in providing information to the community and holding all Australian governments accountable for the effectiveness and efficiency of government services.

A better way to support Veterans and their families

Australia’s veteran support system needs fundamental reform. It is an outdated, legal and administrative maze which adds to the stress of veterans and is not working in the interest of veterans, their families or the Australian community

Immediate action required to keep the Murray-Darling Basin Plan on track

The Productivity Commission has today sounded a warning bell to Basin Governments, with the release of its draft report into the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.