In 2004, the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to look at the impact on the economy and the community of NCP and related reforms and for areas which offer opportunities for significant gains. The Commission found that the benefits of NCP have greatly outweighed the costs....

On 5 August 1998 the Treasurer referred progress in rail reform for inquiry and report within 12 months. The Commission is to identify progress made in rail reform, as well as areas which could be subject to further reforms and the benefits of pursuing further reforms, and is to differentiate...

The terms of reference for the inquiry on First Home Ownership asked the Commission to evaluate the affordability and availability of housing for first home buyers. The Commission’s preliminary findings were released for public comment in December. In its final assessment, the Commission...

This paper discusses the appropriateness, efficiency, and effectiveness regulatory arrangements covering aquaculture production in Australia. It identifies a number of key areas including environmental protection, land use planning, marine and coastal management, and land administration.

The Federal Government referred the citrus growing and processing industries to the Commission for inquiry and report. The inquiry examines the current situation and outlook for the citrus growing and processing industries and whether any measures are necessary to enhance the industry's...

On 12 March 1999 the Assistant Treasurer referred Part X of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and associated regulations to the Commission for inquiry and report within six months. The Commission was to report on the appropriate arrangements for regulation of international cargo shipping services.

On 28 August 1998 the Treasurer referred the impact of competition policy reforms on rural an regional Australia for inquiry and report within 12 months of receiving the reference. The Commission is to assess the impact (both transitional and ongoing) of the competition policy and related...

In late 2000, the Government asked the Commission to undertake a legislation review of Clause 6 of the Competition Principles Agreement (CPA) (requiring a National Access Regime) and Part IIIA of the Trade Practice Act 1974 and report within nine months. The Commission was asked to identify the...

In August 2002, the Commission was asked to look at the economic and social importance of the different industries in the Great Barrier Reef and its catchment. The Commission also would evaluate the costs and benefits of actions to address declining water quality which currently threatens the...

In its latest annual report, of which this is an extract, the Productivity Commission responds to current misconceptions about globalisation and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Commission notes that, among other trends, there has been a five-fold increase in average per capita income...