Australia

Benefitting from globalisation and technological change in Australia

Australia has seen large rises in living standards over the last decades across the whole of the income distribution. Technological change and international trade have contributed to this success, but have also brought structural change.

Australian Services Trade in the Global Economy

Boosting R&D outcomes in Australia

R&D activity can play a central role in raising productivity.

Creating good conditions for innovation-driven productivity gains in Australia

Innovation is key to boosting Australia’s productivity and inclusiveness.

Australia’s economy, good track record but challenges ahead

Australia’s economy has enjoyed considerable success in recent decades, gross domestic product per capita is high and the country generally ranks favourably in well-being

Improving taxes and transfers in Australia

This review particularly recommends shifting away from income taxation to indirect taxation, for instance by raising more revenue from the Goods and Services Tax.

Federal-state relations in Australia

The government’s current review of the federal system, focusing on both spending and tax responsibilities, is welcome, as is the “whole of government” approach to the process.

OECD Central Government Debt Statistics 2012

Boosting productivity in Australia

Australia’s productivity growth has decelerated markedly around the turn of the century. Part of the decline is probably temporary, but raising multifactor productivity is key to ensure that living standards continue to grow strongly, especially if the currently strong terms of trade weaken over time.

Enhancing labour utilisation in a socially inclusive society in Australia

Australia faces the mutually reinforced challenges of boosting labour supply and promoting social inclusion. Labour underutilisation is especially prevalent among groups such as lone parents, people with disability, and Indigenous Australians.