This paper examines how distance and economic size influence the level of international trade. Parameters for an international gravity trade model are estimated and used to calculate annual expected aggregate trade for Australia over the last 20 years. This model also includes a new indicator of economic remoteness that statistically identifies each country's distance from...

THE Intergenerational Report, released in the 2002-03 Federal Budget, is another sleight of hand. It claims to be about ageing and a blow out in health costs. But a closer look reveals that it identifies only a blow out in pharmaceutical costs. Moreover, the report itself reiterates the views that moderate and respected commentators have...

This is Australia’s first Intergenerational Report. The report provides a basis for considering the Commonwealth’s fiscal outlook over the long term, and identifying emerging issues associated with an ageing population. Overview This report focuses on Commonwealth programmes in health, social safety net payments and education, as these are most sensitive to population factors, economic trends...

The Productivity Commission was asked to examine the economic and social impact of competition policy and related infrastructure reforms introduced at the Commonwealth, State and local government levels, and to identify measures to increase the flow of benefits or mitigate any transitional costs arising from the implementation of competition reforms in rural and regional Australia.