Politics Now Putting productivity on the Reform Roundtable
Aug 18, 2025
Australia’s productivity chief emphasizes the need for a growth mindset in government policy. Urgent reforms for childcare safety are discussed against a backdrop of troubling abuse stories. The challenges of navigating political discourse on productivity versus short-term revenue solutions take center stage. Additionally, there's a delve into the complexities of AI regulation and the necessity for clearer communication in policy proposals. Finally, the podcast touches on Australia’s geopolitical stance and recent actions against Qantas regarding workplace justice.
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Growth Should Drive Policy Decisions
- Danielle Wood warns growth hasn't been a policy priority for far too long and wants ministers to adopt a growth mindset.
- Growth-focused reforms are presented as the route to fund and achieve other social priorities, not an optional extra.
Regulation Risks Without Root Fixes
- Jacob Greber highlights the trade-off between regulation costs and fixing root problems when protecting vulnerable people.
- He warns that extra rules can just add cost without addressing the underlying failure they're meant to fix.
Prioritise Safeguards For Vulnerable People
- Prioritise strict checks and safeguards when regulating sectors that serve vulnerable people like childcare.
- Implement robust human-interaction checks rather than only administrative red tape.