While Anthony Albanese says we're in a "race for jobs" with other countries offering big government subsidies and can't afford to be "left behind", Productivity Commissioner Danielle Wood isn't sure it's a race we should even be in.

Productivity commissioner puts the government on the defensive

Every Sunday morning, the ABC's national political lead David Speers unpacks the major stories shaping Australia's future. Each episode includes a major interview with an Australian politician and an extensive discussion with a panel of the country's best journalists. This show will help you understand the major factors behind the decisions and debates driving a national conversation.

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Politics

We're two weeks on from the Budget and what's everyone talking about? Not the Budget, I suspect.

On Background: The rise of 'double haters' in Australian politics

Andrew Giles is facing immense pressure over the decision known as Direction 99, but he shows no signs of going anywhere. This mess can be traced back to a meeting of two prime ministers looking to repair a broken relationship.

Albanese is standing by his immigration minister, but this time he can't blame the mess on the High Court

Is the Coalition's nuclear policy a 'real' policy?

What’s going wrong in the shift to renewables – that requires taxpayers to cover the cost of keeping the Eraring power station running?

On Background: Quitting coal not as easy as first thought

As we enter the final year of the parliamentary term, pressure is growing for alternative solutions. And if the Coalition's immigration policy announcement is anything to go by, it will need to lift its game on nuclear.

Productivity commissioner puts the government on the defensive

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