PC News and other articles
Download the latest PC News edition
Read PC News articles

The Productivity Commission 20 years on
Last year marked the twentieth anniversary of the Productivity Commission.

Is Australia becoming more unequal?
In a research paper released in August last year, the Commission brought together the most recent evidence measuring inequality, poverty and disadvantage in Australia.

A better way to support veterans
A Commission draft report found that the veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation system is not fit-for-purpose, is out-of-date, and does not work in the interest of veterans, their families and the Australian community.

Growing the trans-Tasman digital economy
A joint research paper by the Australian and New Zealand Productivity Commissions identified potential areas for policy collaboration across the Tasman.

Economic regulation of airports
A Commission draft report found that existing airport regulation remains fit for purpose, although reforms are needed to enable greater scrutiny of airport performance.

Review of the National Disability Agreement
A recent Productivity Commission study found that a new National Disability Agreement between Australian governments is needed to ensure the wellbeing of people with disability, and their families and carers.

Assessing what works (or not) to achieve outcomes for government services
The first 'What Works' review examined the effectiveness of government services aimed at supporting carers of people living with dementia.
Read other articles
Why is a good idea so hard to do? - Integrating urban water
Our major cities are facing considerable water challenges in the future. Significant population growth will increase demand for services whilst climate change is likely to reduce water availability in most areas.
Should everyone go to university?
Right now the government caps university places. But until 2017 universities could accept as many students as they liked and the government provided funding for all of these places. It was called the ‘demand driven system’ and it started in 2010.
Better functioning towns and cities
The overwhelming majority of Australians live and work in cities... so how cities operate now and in the future is integral to both the quality of people’s lives and national prosperity.
Skin in the game – education and workforce
The skills needed for well-paid jobs change just like everything else. So does Australia have the right system in place? One that will meet the needs of both employees’ and employers’?
Healthier Australians
While on many measures, the Australian health system is very good compared with health care systems in many other countries, this is not true across the board. There is significant potential for improvement.