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This paper documents differences in the levels and growth rates of manufactured exports across the Australian states and territories over the period 1989-1990 to 2000-2001 and then re-interprets these differences using shift-share analysis. Our results suggest that the relative changes in state exports of manufactured goods have been substantial and seem in large part due to state-specific characteristics that impact on state competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the debate on R&D policy in Australia via an analysis that compares the level of R&D in Australia to a cross-section of countries. Using survey data from the Global Competitiveness Report and economic data we find that R&D levels are consistent with expectations given business attitudes, the property rights regime and economic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the evolution and significance of the Trade Practices Act for the development of competition policy in Australia. The paper also discusses the role of the ACCC in the enforcement of competition law and speculates on future challenges facing the ACCC in this role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia's national electricity market (NEM) is national in name only. It is eight years since the NEM commenced and the objective of a fully competitive market has not been reached. The NEM's structural characteristics, shaped strongly although not exclusively by its evolving regulatory regime, have created the exact antithesis. This paper examines the NEM's key structural characteristics, the consequential pricing and investment outcomes and the conundrums posed for governments and regulators elucidating the reasons why a fully competitive NEM--beyond an increased number of buyers and sellers, and choice of supplier for all consumers--can not be attained without substantial changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the performance of Australian banks over the past decade, focusing on the forces that have shaped bank strategies and outcomes. The robust Australian economy and associated demand for credit, particularly from the household sector, have been significant drivers of bank success. Intensifying competition in lending and deposits has also played a role, manifesting itself largely as price pressure, but also spurring product innovation and the easing of lending standards. While the combination of these forces has allowed bank balance sheets to grow rapidly, the sector has remained well capitalised and has low levels of non-performing assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the role of the ACCC in promoting competition policy in Australia. The ACCC's regulatory activities in focusing on of those industries where competition is limited are examined. It is argued that the focus here is two fold: to create conditions for fair competition in industries that rely on the services of facilities with natural monopoly characteristics and the administration of price caps to minimise the impact of monopoly power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electricity supply industry has historically offered a homogenous good supplied via economically regulated transmission and distribution networks. Competition was introduced into the contestable generation and retail supply chain components as part of the 1990s Hilmer reform process. After a century of incremental technological developments, the industry is now being transformed by new distributed energy technologies and a global focus on reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Policy-makers did not anticipate these changes. A number of key reforms are likely to be required. These include: assessing whether the return on capital provided to network operators is appropriate given changing economic conditions; determining the role of competition in the provision of 'behind the meter' energy services; and integration of climate change policy with wholesale energy market design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]