Productivity Commission


David Coe’s mystifying board election

The likes of the Business Council of Australia and Australian Institute of Company Directors need not be too concerned about the “two strikes” rule — David Coe and RHG just proved as much.

Shareholders revolt on fat cat pay

As lobbyists mull over the Productivity Commission’s draft reforms to executive remuneration rules, the first non-binding Remuneration Report of 2009 has been voted down by shareholders.

Exec pay: two strikes, too soft

The “two-strike” rule for executive remuneration should be rejected not because it is too hard on directors, but rather, because it is too soft, and targets the wrong people.

Fairfax recruit highlights new employer’s no-vacancy rort

The so-called no-vacancy rule makes getting on a public company board impossible for outsiders. Forcing institutions to disclose how they vote will further expose the old boys’ network, starting with Fairfax.

Grattan: It should pay to take risks

The Productivity Commission’s report on executive pay won’t completely satisfy those, like the Greens, that wanted caps on pay. Except, caps aren’t a practical option, writes Michelle Grattan.

PC pay report a very mixed bag

The Productivity Commission has released the long-awaited draft version of its review into the regulation of executive remuneration. It’s a small step, but no great leap forward, for corporate governance.

Executive remuneration: PC pays out on directors

The Productivity Commission has produced an excellent report on executive remuneration and every share owner in the country should read it. Particularly the part about directors.

PC pushes for executive pay transparency

The Productivity Commission has found no systemic fault in the private sector’s approach to executive remuneration. But it has recommended measures to strengthen transparency and remove conflict of interest.

Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Paul Kelly, John Howard and East Timor

Crikey readers weigh in on John Howard’s involvement in East Timor’s independence, the lobbyist to MP ratio and Senator Steve Fielding’s spelling.

Productivity Commission owes nothing to anyone — that’s why we need it

If it were not for the foresight of Paul Keating in developing the Productivity Commission in 1987, the Australian economy would still be mired in protectionist self-interest.

Publishing ban not expected to be lifted

Although the ALP conference has been largely stage managed, one thing is clear: if the government decides to lift the ban on the parallel importation of books, it will be strongly opposed, says Phillip Coorey.

Menadue: five health reforms we really need

There are five critical issues that should be addressed by National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.

Literature? What’s that got to do with the price of books?

In all the talk of the Productivity Commission and the price of publishing, we shouldn’t forget that a book is not a novel. We shouldn’t be focusing on the container, but the content.

Victorian government gets behind authors

Victorian Premier John Brumby, often regarded as a pro-market economic rationalist, has slammed the Productivity Commission’s call to end protection of the local book industry. In fact, it’s state policy.

Guy Rundle: Book parallel import restrictions a ludicrous anachronism

The “remainder” problem for Oz authors obviously has to be addressed — and it’s an area the Productivity Commission has barely addressed.

The future book industry: barns filled with remainders

The Productivity Commission is not interested in culture. Or writing. Or books, writes Sophie Cunningham.

Battle of the books turns political

The Productivity Commission has recommended the removal of parallel import restrictions on books. So the issue will be politicised. And the battleground is likely to be jobs.

Also on Crikey
Shane Maloney: I am a leech on my readers

PC goes all the way: Get rid of book restrictions

The Productivity Commission has found that parallel imports for books are significantly more costly than previously considered. Its final report recommends the restrictions be abolished.

MORE READING

Readers have nothing to fear from the Productivity Commission

“The country’s most articulate lobby” they were called yesterday: the array of writers aligned against deregulation of Australia’s $2.5b book industry. Really? asks Bernard Keane.

Parallel this: Top Ten book prices compared

Many words have poured forth over the imminent decision by the Productivity Commission on parallel-importation of books into Australia. Michael R. James takes a look at the actual data.

“Closing the Gap” is like wrestling with smoke

As yet another round of headlines emerge about lack of progress on indigenous health and social indicators, the “Closing the Gap” initiative can look more than ever like wrestling with smoke.

Executive pay: global talent myth debunked

A research paper has rejected one of the great myths perpetuated by company directors — that Australian executives need to be paid millions of dollars to prevent them from leaving.

A Crikey cure for outlandish executive pay

Submissions continue at the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into executive pay. Adam Schwab cuts to the chase.

Whatever happens to the ETS, it represents colossal failure

There are three possible outcomes for the Government’s emissions trading bill and all of them indicate failure.

Mother’s Day Budget must honour working women

The Productivity Commission draft report has recommended 18 weeks pay at the minimum wage as a government-funded parental leave provision, writes Liz Conor.