<
https://theconversation.com/why-the-working-week-and-what-we-get-out-of-it-has-perplexed-australian-governments-for-more-than-100-years-262713>
"On August 19, a group of advocates and experts will converge on Canberra for
an economic roundtable. “Productivity,” announced Treasurer Jim Chalmers, is to
be the event’s “primary focus”.
What does this mean? The term “productivity” can intimidate the outsider, but
its basic meaning is simple: the effectiveness of productive effort – the
extent to which inputs lead to outputs. Greater productivity means we produce
more with less. Rising productivity has been crucial to expanding living
standards over time.
How we might increase productivity is more contentious. As the lobbying before
the roundtable demonstrates, there is no firm agreement on the best measures to
adopt.
Business leaders have suggested reduced regulation and lower tax. Unions have
promoted a renovation of the tax system, that might direct investment away from
housing and towards other outlets, more likely to enhance efficiency.
University vice-chancellors have suggested greater education; Scott Farquhar of
software company Atlassian has promoted the potential of artificial
intelligence. Though Chalmers has solicited fresh ideas, none suggest new or
striking departures.
In this context, an historical perspective might offer some insights. Reaching
back into the early 20th century, 100 years ago, shows us that government-led
debates on “productivity” are not new. It also discloses policy proposals that
might raise new questions and new possibilities for government and society."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
