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.
Mental ill-health and suicide cost Australia nearly $500 million per day
Released 31 / 10 / 2019
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
Released 25 / 09 / 2019
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
Released 04 / 09 / 2019
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
Released 17 / 06 / 2019
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
Released 12 / 06 / 2019
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
Released 06 / 02 / 2019
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 Consumer Commission on their operational
New agreement on disability needed to improve the wellbeing of people with disability
Released 01 / 02 / 2019
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
Released 22 / 01 / 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
Released 14 / 12 / 2018
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
Released 30 / 08 / 2018
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.
Inequality - The long view, we've done better than we think
Released 28 / 08 / 2018
A Commission-initiated Productivity Commission report on inequality shows that the past 27 years of sustained growth have delivered significantly improved living standards for the nation and for most of us individually but that poverty remains unchanged.
Why our Super system needs to be modernised
Released 29 / 05 / 2018
Australia’s $2.6 trillion super system has become an unlucky lottery for many Australian workers and their families. The system is working well for many members, but not for all,' Deputy Chair of the Productivity Commission Karen Chester said
A time for trade policy leadership
Released 26 / 04 / 2018
Global trade policy appears to be at a dangerous cross-roads says the Productivity Commission in its latest Trade and Assistance Review.
The financial system needs a competition champion
Released 07 / 02 / 2018
The early 2000s was the last time Australia's financial system saw a period of fierce competition. If we are to see its like again, we will need a series of policy shifts, and a champion to own them
Mining boom gains still evident in Australia
Released 15 / 12 / 2017
Australia has benefited substantially from the mining investment boom (ending around 2012), with gains still evident around the nation.
2017 Indigenous Expenditure Report
Released 26 / 10 / 2017
The report presents national and state and territory estimates of government expenditure on services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Achieving prosperity needs to focus on a new policy model
Released 24 / 10 / 2017
In the future, we cannot rely on high commodity prices or, given an ageing Australia, labour participation rates, to drive national income.
NDIS costs on track, but some challenges
Released 19 / 10 / 2017
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a better way of providing disability support and care. Once fully implemented, it is expected that around 475 000 people with disability will receive individualised supports, at an estimated cost of $22 billion
National approach needed to prepare for next drought crisis
Released 15 / 09 / 2017
A renewed national water reform agenda is needed so we are prepared for our next severe drought, said a draft report released by the Productivity Commission today.
Industry assistance by any other name
Released 29 / 07 / 2017
Australian industry received over $14 billion in assistance from the Australian Government in 2015-16, continuing the slight downward trend over recent years. Tariffs made up $6.8 billion of this figure; budgetary assistance $4.2 billion; and tax concessions $3.3 billion.