EP#137: Purposeful productivity with Danielle Wood

On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, reflects on how the Commission’s role has evolved—from her early days as a graduate to leading its national reform agenda.

As Australia faces slower growth and rising complexity, how can public policy adapt to deliver long-term productivity and social progress?

Danielle joins host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to discuss how the commission continues to provide rigorous, independent advice in the public interest while expanding its focus to the care economy, First Nations policy, and Closing the Gap. She also explores the challenges of lifting productivity in the service sector, the slower impact of new technologies, the importance of diversity in economic leadership, and how to deliver frank advice that drives long-term reform.

Key tips:

1. Embed Closing the Gap priorities into your policy and program design to help drive meaningful, long-term change
2. Champion diversity in economics to ensure a broader range of perspectives and better policy outcomes
3. Value independent advice as a cornerstone of good governance, even when it challenges the status quo.

Show notes

• Quarterly productivity bulletin – March 2025 | Productivity Commission
• Closing the Gap Review | Productivity Commission

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