Profits over people

Big business says wants a more productive economy, but its complaints about industrial relations are really about its profit margins, says Matt Grudnoff.
On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Australia Institute Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff and Research Fellow Adam Gottschalk discuss the spin around productivity and why paying workers more – not less – might hold the key to a more productive economy.
Join President José Ramos-Horta at 6pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 October for an evening of conversation at the Sydney Opera House, presented by the Australia Institute as part of its 30 Years of Big Ideas.
Host: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Adam Gottschalk, Anne Kantor Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @adamchalksitup
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
The big reform that could make our childcare system cheaper and safer
There is a sickness at the centre of Australia’s childcare system. The profit motive.
Australian banks now make $228,900 profit from the average home loan – new research
New research by The Australia Institute reveals the big four banks are raking in $228,900 profit over the 30-year life of an average $736,000 home loan.
Corporate Profits Must Take Hit to Save Workers
Historically high corporate profits must take a hit if workers are to claw back real wage losses from the inflationary crisis, according to new research from the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work.

