February
Beijing’s message rings alarm bell about dreamworld election
Australia needs to urgently invest more in naval capability. But this defence imperative clashes with fiscal challenges neither side of federal politics wants to seriously engage with.
Milton Friedman warned about budget problems such as Musk and DOGE
Special interest groups have always been a headache for government deficits and efficiency. Now they are running Washington.
Don’t neglect the human elements of productivity
Readers’ letters on the downsides of digital service delivery; Peter Dutton and big insurers; anti-hate speech legislation; RBA promises; offshore wind farms; and cost blowouts.
‘Deadening effect’ on home building: PC urges slashing red tape
Half as many houses are being built per hour worked today than 30 years ago, according to a report by the Productivity Commission.
‘The world has shifted’: CEOs query penalty rates, right to disconnect
As executives ramp up pressure on Labor and the Coalition to do more to reverse a productivity slump, more flexible workplace laws have become a priority.
January
No side of politics has a plan to make you better off
The depressing reality is that no party can convincingly articulate a strategy to improve Australians’ fortunes in the next three years and beyond.
This home builder says AI can replace its staff
Builders need to become more efficient – and artificial intelligence is one way to boost productivity, says Tamawood’s new boss Lev Mizikovsky.
Debt blowout shows budget honesty is ‘crooked’ in Queensland
The shocking budget blowout after the state’s election last year shows a massive institutional failure that has lessons for governments across the country.
Ex-Macquarie boss rails against Mosman NIMBY-ism
In a rare interview, Nicholas Moore has highlighted the need for more homes in inner-city suburbs such as the Sydney harbourside suburb of Mosman where he lives.
Nicholas Moore: blame bigger government for falling living standards
Much of the cost-of-living malaise in Australia is the result of policies that have expanded the role of government at the cost of long-term productivity.
AI looms as new battleground for IR
A Luddite regulatory overreach on the industrial relations of AI would impose another dead weight loss on the economy.
Nine red flags for budget watchers
Labor has a choice: deliver a pre-election budget that builds Australia’s future or keep sailing blindly towards another decade of debts and deficits.
More than tax reform, we need budget guardians
Readers’ letters on fiscal discipline, improving productivity, the Los Angeles fires, diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and democracy under threat.
Seven ways everyday Aussies – not CEOs – would fix productivity
From pumping seawater into the lake in the South Australian outback to creating hydroponic farms in inner-city high rises, Australians say we can get productivity growing.
For business, AI can be the new electricity for productivity
If we are to shift productivity momentum back in our favour, it’s worth asking what this kind of progress means in our modern context.
How Formula 1 engineers turbocharged a $200b public company
Australian CEOs are often shy to talk about how and when they use external consultants. The boss of this big French company, which plays an important role in Australia’s health system, isn’t.
CEOs reveal how to fix the productivity problem
Business reckons it’s ready to invest to help bolster living standards for all Australians. It just needs some policy help.
More skilled migration, less red tape to kickstart economy: CEOs
The government needs to stimulate sagging productivity growth if Australia is to prosper, business warns.
Reform must be top New Year resolution in Canberra
We cannot afford a repeat of the last election when the major parties said don’t worry, we won’t change anything.
Emissions reporting boosts financial sustainability
Readers’ letters on emissions reporting, renewable energy, green-left politics, productivity, government advertising and an idea for state governments.