PolicyEconomyProductivityAustralia falls behind New Zealand on productivity rankingJul 1, 2026 – 5.39pmThe Australian economy is becoming less productive and a global laggard on investment in research and development, the Organisation for Co-operation and Development has found.Australia’s productivity went backwards by 0.7 per cent in 2024, ranking it 29th out of 39 advanced economies and lower than New Zealand.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Latest In EconomyFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In Policy