How do we improve Australia’s productivity?

Drinks with Danielle Wood

Hosted by Dr Marianne Broadbent

Australia’s labour productivity growth over the last decade is the lowest it’s been in 60 years. And our productivity performance in the years following the pandemic has lagged the United States, where productivity has surged ahead. Is there a great productivity divide and, if so, what are the reasons for it? And what should we be doing about Australia’s productivity challenge?

We are excited to have Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, as our discussion leader to traverse these critical issues. In the words of Grattan Institute’s chair, Lindsay Maxsted: "Danielle is an exceptional economist and an inspiring leader. She has an ability to break down a problem, pinpoint its causes, and then imagine and design practical solutions". Prior to commencing her 5-year term as Chair of the Productivity Commission in November 2023, Danielle was CEO of the Grattan Institute. Danielle also held roles as a member of the Australian Government’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, the Parliamentary Budget Office Expert Advisory Committee, the Jobs and Skills Australia Consultative Forum and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government Research Committee.

Danielle previously worked in senior roles at the ACCC and at NERA Economic Consulting. She started her career as a graduate at the Productivity Commission.

Danielle holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Adelaide and two Masters degrees, one in Economics and one in Competition Law, from the University of Melbourne. She was the co-founder and first Chair of the Women in Economics Network. She is currently an ex-officio member of the Australian Government’s Competition Review Expert Advisory Panel.

We are delighted to have Danielle join us in-person for what will be a robust conversation on this hotly-debated subject.