Core functions
How does the Commission contribute?
The Productivity Commission is an advisory
body. It does not administer government programs or exercise executive
power. Its contribution hinges on the quality of the independent advice and
information it provides to governments, and on the communication of ideas
and analysis.
The Commission is an agency of the Australian Government, located within the
Treasury portfolio. However its activities cover all levels of government
and encompass all sectors of the economy, as well as social and
environmental issues.
The core function of the Commission is to conduct public inquiries at the
request of the Australian Government on key policy or regulatory issues
bearing on Australia's economic performance and community wellbeing.
In addition, the Commission undertakes a variety of research at the request
of the Government and to support its annual reporting, performance
monitoring and other responsibilities.
The Commission also acts as secretariat to the inter-governmental Review of
Government Service Provision, under the auspices of the Council of
Australian Governments. And it has a role in advising on the competitive
neutrality of Commonwealth Government business activities.
The Commission's four main 'output' streams
-
Public
inquiries and research studies requested by the government.
- Performance
monitoring and benchmarking and other services to government bodies.
-
Self-initiated research and annual reporting on productivity,
industry assistance and regulation.
- Competitive
neutrality complaints.