Through our research, the Commission contributes to the public debate and encourages informed policy discussion.
The Commission has a statutory mandate to conduct a program of research to support its inquiries, annual reporting and other responsibilities, including promoting community awareness and understanding of various productivity and regulatory issues.
Released: 14 May 2013
This staff research note, released on 14 May 2013, illustrates possible interpretations of sustainability and what they imply for policy analysis by using an economic framework for exploring the issues.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/sustainability
Released: 23 Apr 2003
This paper examines the relationship between firm size, domestic sales and export performance for a sample of Australian manufacturing firms.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/firm-size
Released: 9 Dec 2002
This paper represents part of the work in progress on a joint research project of the Productivity Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, and the National Office for the Information Economy
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/ict-uptake
Released: 22 Feb 2005
This paper seeks to measure the level and growth of labour hire employment, and to identify the reasons for that growth.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/labour-hire
Released: 3 Nov 1999
On 3 November 1999 Commissioner Helen Owens addressed AusRail99, with a speech titled Progress in Rail Reform.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/rail-reform
Released: 14 Apr 2015
This paper by Larry Cook and Philip Harslett provides an introductory guide to entropy estimation for economic modellers with a particular emphasis on estimating elasticities from limited time series data.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/entropy-estimation
Released: 14 Oct 1999
A Steering Committee research paper on the effects of payroll tax on the provision of government services.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/payroll-tax
Released: 1 Oct 1997
Private investment in urban roads
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/urban-roads
Released: 19 Nov 2004
This paper examines the likely economic impacts of expanding water trade in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/water-trade
Released: 9 Jun 1999
This paper uses a new methodology to assess the implications of Australia's productivity performance for growth in output and living standards.
https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/new-economy
We undertake other policy relevant research in addition to our commissioned public inquiries and studies. This web page lists our current research projects.
This is our catalogue of policy relevant research that has been completed.
Commission staff undertake supporting research and analysis, data compilation and model development in support of our inquiry and study activity.
Employment & Education
Industry & Trade
Natural Resources
Productivity Analysis
Social & Community