This Month
JobKeeper saved jobs but killed productivity, says commission
Pandemic-era policies abated unemployment but kept workers attached to dud employers, the Productivity Commission says.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Australian economy
The mission for 2025: let’s make it easier for businesses to invest
Less than six months from the federal election, it’s time to start thinking about the big reforms we need to go after to turn around our lagging productivity and competitiveness.
- Geoff Culbert
- Opinion
- Letters to the Editor
The case against nuclear energy is convincing
Readers’ letters on the CSIRO’s latest assessment of nuclear power, antisemitism, big business and productivity, and safeguarding essential food supplies.
- Opinion
- Opinion
Public sector to blame for Australia’s poor productivity
Australia’s economic story has become dominated by public rather than private activity as politicians spend crazy amounts of money to buy votes.
- Christopher Joye
- Exclusive
- Australian economy
Australia is now an economic ‘problem child’: McKinsey
Business investment is at recession levels as the country’s productivity growth slumps to 30th out of 35 rich countries, says a new report.
- John Kehoe and Michael Read
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
This is the problem that CEOs have with GDP
Another tepid set of growth numbers will heap more pressure on the government. But it’s the next 20 years that both sides of politics need to think about.
- Updated
- James Thomson
November
CBA prepares for AI to transform banking, with dozens of uses
The country’s biggest bank is already using AI to resolve 15,000 payment disputes every day. And its chief executive, Matt Comyn, says many more uses are on the way.
- James Eyers and Lucas Baird
This ex-big four partner has automated his LinkedIn posts
An AI-driven tool helps former big four consulting partner John Riccio take only about five minutes a week to create and schedule five LinkedIn posts.
- Edmund Tadros
NAB executive warns of ‘elusive’ productivity gains in age of AI
Finance executives have been circumspect about the transformative power of the new technology, suggesting return on investment should be the focus.
- James Eyers
- Opinion
- Australian economy
Hilmer reforms of 1990s helped lift productivity. We can do it again
Fred Hilmer’s reforms were groundbreaking because a series of small changes had a massive cumulative effect. With changes to competition policy, we could lift Australia’s GDP by up to $45 billion a year.
- Danielle Wood and Alex Robson
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Why our top corporate regulator wants less regulation
ASIC chairman Joe Longo says complex regulation is hurting businesses, consumers and the regulator’s work. It’s another window into Australia’s productivity problem.
- James Thomson
AI job growth to fuel demand for 480,000sq m of office space: report
JLL research suggests that by 2030, artificial intelligence will become the second-largest sector in the Australian economy, offering opportunities for office landlords.
- Michael Bleby
AI gets real as big business finds its feet
An era of cautious, low-stakes experimentation is rapidly giving way to tangible changes in how some of Australia’s largest operations run.
- Paul Smith
Lack of action on workplace harassment holds back productivity
Readers’ letters on the impact of anonymous harassment reports; the need for flexibility in the super system; fee-free university; Trump’s inflation danger; working-class voters; and climate obligations.
The mantra that keeps this CEO ahead of the game
Former Virgin CEO Paul Scurrah reveals how he avoids distractions, what he has learnt from the collapse of two airlines and why he doesn’t eat until midday.
- Sally Patten and Martin Peralta
- Opinion
- Economics explained
How a 5¢ Tesla explains the problem with inflation
A fundamental economic truth explains ever-rising services inflation and why it’s a big problem for governments.
- Richard Holden
October
Time to catch up with QR code payments
Readers’ letters on a better way to pay; productivity in the mining industry; benefits of new merger laws; Japan’s gas demands; and a true Whyalla wipeout.
- Opinion
- Australian economy
Why mining lies at the heart of Australia’s productivity problem
Australia badly needs to diversify towards more productive industries. The politically privileged position of the mining industry is one of the obstacles.
- Adrian Blundell-Wignall
Office distractions hinder workplace productivity: study
Fewer distractions and better supervision have emerged as critical ingredients to driving better productivity returns from hybrid working.
- Tom Burton and Euan Black
NDIS is sucking in workers from more efficient jobs
Flatlining growth in the care economy and surging spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme is threatening to make households poorer.
- Michael Read