Corporate plan 2024–28

From the Chair

It is my pleasure to present our Corporate plan 2024–28.

The Productivity Commission provides independent, evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on the major economic, social and environmental issues facing our nation. Our research spans a broad range of policy areas: from policies to support growth to managing the net zero transition, to sustainably managing our water resources, to improving our health and education systems. I am very proud of the work that we do.

As inflation continues to erode real living standards, our work to improve Australia’s productivity performance is even more vital. Our Advancing Prosperity report, released last year, continues to set the course for productivity-enhancing reform. We’re building on this research through regular unpacking of productivity trends, more detailed work on potential game changers like AI, as well as through detailed analysis of sectors such as construction.

Improving wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is another area of focus. Our Review of the Closing the Gap Agreement, released earlier this year, is important for anyone seeking to understand our mixed results when it comes to meeting the Closing the Gap targets. And while there are some bright spots, our annual data reporting shows that most targets are not on track to be met. We will continue to help governments make the transformations required to enable self-determination among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In 2024–25, and the forward years, the PC will continue to examine a variety of issues through its public inquiry and commissioned work. Commissioned projects underway include assessing the impacts of competition reforms under a revitalised National Competition Policy and looking at priorities for government in the circular economy.

The Report on Government Services – for which the PC provides the Secretariat – produces national, consistent data on how governments are performing in delivering a range of critical services. And our competitive neutrality compliance investigation function helps ensure public entities don’t gain an unfair market advantage due to government ownership.

We are also navigating a period of renewal and change. The Statement of Expectations, provided to us from the Treasurer, the Hon Jim Chalmers, is the first of its kind for our organisation. Our response, the Statement of Intent, sets ambitious goals for our work.

We have committed to enhancing our skills base, data capabilities and analytical frameworks to use the right tools for the research problem at hand. We are improving our communication and external engagement. We have recently expanded our editorial functions and have set high targets for media engagement and public events. We are also undertaking a website redesign to make it easier for our stakeholders to find PC work.

Importantly, we are strengthening the ways we work together.

We have restructured the PC to build expertise in key policy areas. The new workstreams, detailed below, will help our organisation build deeper relationships with stakeholders and allow us to engage on research long after our reports are complete.

We’ve also put enormous effort into cultural renewal. Our staff have helped develop our five PC values that inform how we work and interact.

Our organisation is set for a busy time over the next four years, but we are well up to the task. I have no doubt we will develop rigorous, relevant, timely and practical advice to steer governments through the many complex policy challenges on the horizon.

Danielle Wood
Chair