Strong start for APEC Study Centre with inaugural seminar on Australia’s economic future
On 5 March 2026, the Griffith University APEC Study Centre, co-led by Associate Professors Parvinder Kler and Shyama Ratnasiri, hosted its inaugural seminar, welcoming Dr Alex Robson, Deputy Chair of the Australian Government’s Productivity Commission, to present on “Creating a more dynamic and resilient economy.” The event brought together stakeholders, students, researchers and staff interested in economic policy, productivity, and regulatory reform.
Associate Professor Parvinder Kler opened the session by welcoming attendees and introducing the purpose of the seminar series. He then invited Professor Caitlin Byrne to say a few words. Professor Byrne expressed her enthusiasm for the new initiative and noted how valuable it was to have Dr Robson share insights from current Productivity Commission work. Following this introduction, Associate Professor Kler formally introduced Dr Robson to begin his presentation.
Dr Robson’s seminar examined the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into how Australia can strengthen economic dynamism and resilience to improve productivity growth. He outlined several structural challenges facing the Australian economy, including slowing productivity, declining business dynamism, and stalled investment. A key focus of the presentation was the Commission’s work on corporate tax reform, which aims to reduce distortions in the current system and encourage greater investment and innovation. The Commission’s interim proposal includes a dual corporate tax structure combined with a net cashflow tax designed to improve efficiency, encourage risk-taking, and attract foreign investment while remaining broadly revenue neutral over the long term.
Dr Robson also highlighted that proposed reforms to reduce regulatory costs by $10 billion by 2030, introducing stronger reporting and accountability mechanisms, and ensuring that regulators consider the growth impacts of regulation.
The seminar concluded with thoughtful engagement from attendees. Professor Martin Berka and Professor Alberto Posso each posed questions and offered insights on the policy proposals and their potential implications for Australia’s economic competitiveness and productivity.
Overall, the inaugural APEC Study Centre seminar was a highly successful and engaging event, sparking important discussion about the future of economic reform and regulatory policy in Australia. The session marked a strong beginning for the new seminar series, and we look forward to seeing what the Griffith University APEC Study Centre will bring throughout the year ahead.
Visit the website for more information about the APEC Study Centre.
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