"The appointment of Chris Barrett to lead the Productivity Commission comes at a crucial time for the economy. The discussion around improving the productivity of the Australian economy and workplaces is taking on a renewed urgency as we face a rapidly changing and more challenging economic environment," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
"We have suffered from flatlining productivity and low real incomes growth for many years and lifting us out of this malaise is essential to building a successful and dynamic economy to underwrite improvements to Australian living standards.
"Although the Treasurer announced some time ago he wanted to 'renovate' the Productivity Commission, its ongoing role as an adviser to government on how to fulfil our economic potential is a vital one.
"Its rightful role is to challenge and inform policy makers on issues as disparate as workplace relations, skills and training, innovation, infrastructure, taxation, broader industry policy, public sector performance and demography. The, at times, uncomfortable advice and insights it provides to government and policy thinkers are an essential part of broader policy debate and considerations.
"Mr Barrett comes to the role with considerable experience in policy and politics. Industry looks forward to continuing to work with the Productivity Commission to inform debate and policy making in the years ahead," Mr Willox said.
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