During the early 1980s, the economic structure of Australia was fairly homogeneous. Manufacturing was the primary income generator across most parts of the country. Of course, certain areas had specialisations in particular industries, for example, Agriculture and Mining in regional areas and advanced business services in the central core of our cities. Examining economic statistics at the national level would have provided a reasonable insight into the conditions across the whole of Australia.
The economic evolution of the past 30 years has resulted in a far more complex picture. The rise of advanced business services, differentials in government policy and investment, the resources boom, declining competiveness of Manufacturing and demographic and social changes have created a patchwork economy.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) State Accounts publication provides estimates of economic activity for each State and Territory in Australia on an annual basis. Recent methodological advancements by the ABS have enabled SGS Economics and Planning (SGS) to develop estimates of economic activity for each major capital city and the regional section of the state.
These statistics provide improved insights into the relative economic performance of each of Australia's major capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) over the past 20 years. They also highlight the productivity challenge which faces our cities.
Click here to view article from Smart Company website
Click here to view the article in the Australian Financial Review
Click here to read the SGS Report