Productivity Commission Commissioners of the Productivity Commission Operation The Commission is headed by a Chairperson and between 4 and 12 other Commissioners, who are appointed by the Governor-General for periods up to five years. Some commissioners are required to have particular skills and experience: (a) in applying the principles of ecologically sustainable development and environmental conservation (b) in dealing with the social effects of economic adjustment and social welfare service delivery (c) acquired in working in Australian industry (d) dealing with policies and programs that have an impact on Indigenous persons and dealing with one or more communities of Indigenous persons. Associate Commissioners can be appointed by the Treasurer on a full or part-time basis. Commission staff are Commonwealth public servants. The average number of employees in the 2021-22 financial year was 164. The Commission reports formally through the Treasurer to the Australian Parliament, where its inquiry reports are tabled. Final inquiry reports must be tabled in Parliament within 25 sitting days of the Government receiving the report. What makes the Commission unusual among public sector institutions around the world is the combination of three core principles which it embodies: Independence — The commission operates under the protection and guidelines of its own legislation. It has an arm's length relationship with the Government. While the Government largely determines its work program, it cannot tell it what to say and the commission's findings and recommendations are based on its own analyses and judgments. Transparency — The commission's advice to government, and the information and analysis on which it is based, are open to public scrutiny. Its processes provide for extensive public input and feedback through hearings, workshops and other consultative forums, and through the release of draft reports and preliminary findings. A community-wide focus — The commission is obliged under its statutory guidelines to take a broad view, encompassing the interests of the economy and community as a whole, rather than just particular industries or groups. Environmental, regional and social dimensions of its work are also considered, informed by public consultation and the commission's own research capability. References External links Productivity Commission website Productivity Commission Twitter feed Productivity Commission Facebook page Productivity Commission YouTube channel Productivity Commission LinkedIn channel Economy of Australia Commonwealth Government agencies of Australia 1996 establishments in Australia Government agencies established in 1996 Productivity organizations