I don't think you can separate the two,IR and productivity.Unfortunately politics must come into the equation as they are in control.Its also interesting yr figures regarding productivity eg up to 1994 1.8% very dominant unions,to 2004 3.1% growth under howard IR reforms,then 1.4% to 2011 under rudd /gillard. I don't post or read the politics forum and i have no interest at all in it,I agree with your entire productivity description,but what i find strange is you see no connection between your description and IR (reform). Anyway,i'm glad you have the productivity issue covered for australia,my post was simply raising the concerns of business with australia's productivity outside of the resource sector when the boom is over. ps notice our industries moving to china or going into administration,could this be a productivity isue? ps again,most hc members are quite happy to explain why other countries are having economic issues but we don't like to extend that to australia because its political.hmm.
