We’re working harder than ever. So why don’t the metrics show it?

May 30, 2026 — 3:01am

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Economists warn that Australia’s productivity is lagging on the global stage, ranking second last among OECD countries, better only than Mexico.

Historically, we rate poorly in terms of remuneration, international experience, employee training, working hours and skilled labour. What this means is that, in the rankings of world competitiveness, Australia is well down the list.

Politicians are concerned, roundtables are being convened and economists are circulating papers to sound the alarm searching for a better way forward.

The Productivity Commission recently called the nation’s productivity growth disappointing, with labour productivity falling by 0.7 per cent in the December 2025 quarter, which sits well below long-term average growth.

Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood warns that Australia’s productivity growth has stalled since 2016. “We need to get productivity moving to ensure future generations can live better and more........

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