We’re working harder than ever. So why don’t the metrics show it?
Australia's productivity is lagging behind other OECD countries, ranking second last. Economists and politicians are concerned about the stagnation of productivity growth, which has been declining since 2016. The Productivity Commission emphasizes the need for comprehensive policy reforms to improve productivity and living standards.
- ▪Australia ranks second last among OECD countries in terms of productivity, only ahead of Mexico.
- ▪The Productivity Commission reported a 0.7 percent decline in labour productivity in the December 2025 quarter.
- ▪Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted that boosting productivity is essential for improving wages and living standards.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.