The objective of this study was to undertake a series of modelling exercises that took advantage of the additional available data to explore the effects of R&D on Australian productivity. However, despite the advances in data and methods, our research was unable to find a consistent robust...

The Productivity Commission’s inquiry report into the ‘Conservation of Australia’s Historic Heritage Places’, was tabled in Parliament on 21 July 2006. The Commission was asked to examine the policy framework and incentives for the conservation of Australia’s historic built heritage...

The Productivity Commission’s inquiry report into ‘Smash Repair and Insurance’, was released on 18 August 2005. The Productivity Commission was asked to review financial and other commercial relationships between the smash repair industry and the insurance industry. Some of the areas the...

The Productivity Commission’s final inquiry report into the market for retail tenancy leases in Australia was released in August 2008. The Commission was asked to make recommendations for improving the retail tenancy market in Australia and to identify, and where practicable quantify, the...

The Productivity Commission’s inquiry report, 'Review of Part X of the Trade Practices Act 1974: International Liner Cargo Shipping', was released on 5 October 2005. The Commission was asked to examine and report on the rational, effects and alternatives to Part X, which allow international...

The Productivity Commission’s research report into the 'Review of the Australian Consumer Product Safety System', was released on 7 February 2006. The Commission was requested to undertake a research study to examine the impacts of options for reforming Australia’s general consumer product...

The Commission’s final report on the parallel importation of books into Australia, released on 14 July, recommends removal of the current restrictions, with the industry having a period of three years to adjust before the changes take effect. The restrictions prevent Australian booksellers...

A Productivity Commission Staff Working Paper, Armington Elasticities and Terms of Trade Effects in Global CGE Models by Xiao-guang Zhang was released on 8 February 2006, in conjunction with the staff working paper, The Armington Model. Armington elasticities specify the degrees of substitution...

During the 1990s, reforms and other developments improved productivity and reduced prices in Australian infrastructure services. These changes raised the average incomes of Australian households. Household incomes increased in every jurisdiction and in every decile of the income distribution....