Treasurer to retain firm control over Productivity Commission

The Treasurer will tightly control a new government body established to police the productivity of the CFMEU, despite claims it will be independent.

Treasurer David Janetzki in Question Time last week. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA NewsWire

A new state government body established to police the productivity of the CFMEU will be tightly controlled by Treasurer David Janetzki, despite his claim it will be independent.

The LNP pledged to re-establish the Productivity Commission to end construction cost blowouts and improve value for taxpayers.

“An independent Queensland Productivity Commission is critical … that will lift productivity, improve living standards and deliver economic growth,” Mr Janetzki said.

“Low productivity burns a hole in the hip pocket of every Queenslander.”

However, a Bill to re-establish the Productivity Commission has been picked apart by some stakeholders, with its independence coming under fire.

Under the proposal, the commission must seek the minister’s approval to undertake an inquiry and provide a copy of its findings at least 10 business days before it is published.

Queensland Council of Unions secretary Jacqueline King argued the commission could act as a political tool for the government.

“The Queensland Productivity Commission proposed to be established by the Bill does not appear to be a productivity commission at all,” she said.

“Rather, it appears to be a statutory body established to provide centralised policy and legislative advice on any government business and inquire into any matter the minister, or government, may determine.”

Queensland Council of Unions secretary Jacqueline King

She warned it could also be used to circumvent or undermine the work of long-established institutions, including the Parliament and Queensland Law Reform Commission.

Australian Institute for Progress executive director Graham Young said Queensland’s Productivity Commission should be able to undertake independent inquiries.

“A truly independent commission will have more prestige and clout than one that is captive to the minister and as a result attract better staff which will result in better research,” he said.

“It will still have to work within its budget, so it will have to prioritise only very important matters for independent inquiry, but having this ability adds another dimension to the quality and fearlessness of the advice that the government receives.”

Mr Young said just as the Commonwealth Productivity Commission could launch its own inquiries, the state one should be able to as well.

“This may lead to some tension between it and the government from time to time, as there is between the commonwealth government and the Commonwealth Productivity Commission,” Mr Young said.

“But this is healthy in a democracy and leads to better decision-making.”

Originally published as Treasurer to retain firm control over Productivity Commission