Regional Economic Disparities in Australia

Author/Editor:

Uma Ramakrishnan ; Martin D. Cerisola

Publication Date:

August 1, 2004

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Australia's remarkable economic performance during the 1990s has not resulted in a significant convergence of real per capita income, output, and employment levels across the country's states and territories. This paper explores the role of certain economic rigidities that may have contributed to the lack of convergence, including rigidities in labor markets and in the structure of federal government transfers to households and subnational governments. The analysis suggests that the wage awards system has restricted the adjustment of real wages to productivity differentials, thus contributing to higher unemployment rates in some states. Federal government transfers to households also appear to have adversely affected work incentives in high unemployment states by limiting participation in the labor force.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2004/144

Subject:

Income Labor Production growth Unemployment Unemployment rate

English

Publication Date:

August 1, 2004

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451856477/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1442004

Pages:

23

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