Labor split over Productivity Commission’s claims

Labor is divided after Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood raised concerns over the ‘Future Made in Australia’ plan. Resources Minister Madeleine King has acknowledged merit in some of Ms Wood’s concerns despite Labor President Wayne Swan calling Ms Wood “out of touch”. “(She) is completely out of touch with the international ­reality. I mean, all of our major competitors are doing this. We have to be in it to win it,” Mr Swan said. The minister states the government would need to be transparent about the act’s proposed level of legislative oversight. Ms King maintained the party line – however, she said Australia cannot afford to fall behind in international competitiveness.