Part 3/13:
Treasurer Jim Chalmers clarified that the government has not prioritized formalizing a four-day week but emphasized the importance of enabling workers to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Still, critics argue this proposal could hinder Australia's competitiveness, especially when juxtaposed with declining productivity figures. Jamie Rogers underscored the issues, stating that the move risks damaging Australia's economic prospects. He pointed out that productivity is already low and that neglecting this metric could lead to reduced investment in innovation, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which could otherwise offset employment reductions through technological efficiencies. Rogers also highlighted that government jobs—particularly those in sectors like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)—have been a significant source of employment, yet productivity in these areas has reached two-decade lows.