Danielle Wood on the Productivity Commission, public integrity, and Australia’s productivity challenges
Note sull'episodio
Former Federal Court judge Michael Barker interviews Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, about the role of economists and independent institutions in democratic accountability.
Wood explains how economics shapes policymaking through trade-offs, why the Commission’s independence matters even when its advice draws political backlash (including criticism over its GST distribution report), and how undermining institutions can erode trust and economic performance.
She outlines how corruption and “grey corruption” harm growth by increasing uncertainty, diverting resources from innovation, inflating infrastructure costs, and weakening social capital.
Wood discusses the Commission’s work on AI and digital markets, arguing for updating existing laws rather than broad AI regulation, and describes the housing supply regulation inquiry examining planning, approvals, density limits, and infrastructure timing, due in March next year.
They also cover migration program design, productivity headwinds like weak investment and declining economic dynamism, and challenges attracting students—especially young women—to economics.
Show notes:
00:00 Introduction & Welcome
02:41 Becoming an Economist
05:07 Influence of Economists
06:23 Economics & Politics
10:13 Corruption & Public Accountability
16:33 Public Trust & Cynicism
20:21 AI & Technology
23:18 Housing Supply Inquiry
26:09 History of the Productivity Commission
29:32 Public Service & Democratic Process
31:36 Grattan Institute & Think Tanks
33:55 Productivity Challenges & Immigration
41:09 Closing & Future of Economics