Productive Reform in a Federal System

Abstract

The Productivity Commission convened a roundtable on the topic Productive Reform in a Federal System at Old Parliament House, Canberra on 27 and 28 October 2005. The invitees included senior government officials, consultants, academics, and representatives from industry and community groups.

The federal structure of Australia's political system significantly influences many areas of public policy and their implementation. The current state of federalism and the scope for improving the operation of Australia's federation have been prominent and, at times, controversial topics of debate.

The Roundtable drew together senior government officials, consultants, academics and representatives from industry and community groups. Discussion focussed on issues associated with the design and effective operation of federal systems, opportunities for improving outcomes in the specific areas of health, the labour market and freight transport, and ideas about the best ways forward.

The proceedings include papers prepared by the speakers as well as the responses of the discussants and panellists and summaries of the general discussion sessions. Also included is an overview covering the key points raised by the speakers and other participants.

Keywords: Federalism, labour market reform, regulatory reform, health system reform, freight transport, land transport, National Competition Policy

JEL Classification: H, I, J