Why have so many hand car wash services replaced automatic machines?

It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia’s productivity which is among the worst in the developed world. 

Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem?

Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at the economic round table in Canberra - population and property. 

First published 21 August, 2025

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Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent